Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 24 Feb 2000

Vol. 515 No. 2

Written Answers. - Security of the Elderly.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

199 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if the security scheme for the elderly will operate again in 2000; the percentage of the cost which will be covered by the grant and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5723/00]

Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern)

My Department has, since 1996, operated the scheme of community support for older people, the purpose of which is to improve the security and social support of vulnerable older people. This funding is provided by way of grant aid to voluntary groups and organisations who have undertaken to identify those elderly people in need of assistance under the scheme.

Since I came to office in mid-1997 I have allocated a total of £13 million to this scheme which allowed some 53,000 individuals to receive assist ance under the scheme. I am anxious to ensure that this scheme continues to address the security needs of the most vulnerable older people in our society and accordingly a sum of £5 million has been provided for this scheme in my Department's estimates for 2000.

In general, grants under the scheme cover from 50% to 90% of the once-off cost of the purchase and-or installation of the necessary security equipment. While the maximum grant available under this scheme is 90% of the total cost, it is not possible to guarantee this level of funding in respect of all applications received under the scheme. Priority in allocating the available funds will be given to the most vulnerable older people. The actual amount of the grant will vary in the light of individual circumstances and needs and the overall demands which must be met.

I propose to have advertised the scheme in both the national and provincial press by mid-March, at which time any voluntary or community-based organisation working with or providing support for vulnerable older people may submit applications for funding.