Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 30 May 2000

Vol. 520 No. 1

Written Answers. - Security Grants for the Elderly.

Gay Mitchell

Question:

300 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if he will review the operation of the security grants for the elderly scheme in view of the long delays of up to two years between an application being made and the security devices being installed; if he will change the scheme to have four closing dates a year for applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15224/00]

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 provide funding for initiatives 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 assistance under the scheme. I am committed to ensuring 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 the scheme in my Department's estimates for 2000.

While every effort is made to ensure the prompt processing of applications, failure to submit the necessary documentation or satisfactory accounts will invariably delay the processing of these applications. In administering this and other grant schemes, my Department must ensure that all criteria are adhered to, including the provision by funded groups of satisfactory accounts in respect of previous grants. Applications are processed as quickly as possible by my Department once all the necessary documentation has been received. However if the Deputy's question relates to any particular group, I would be happy to check the position on receipt of details of the relevant group.

The maximum grant available under the scheme is 90% of the once-off costs of purchasing/installing the necessary security equipment. However, the actual level of funding made available for individual applications varies according to individual needs and circumstances and according to the overall demand to be met in relation to the available resources. It is necessary to assess all applications at the same time so that an appropriate level of funding can be determined for each application, taking into account the need to target funding at those most in need of assistance under the scheme. To facilitate this process it is necessary to have one closing date for receipt of applications so that an accurate assessment of the total number of applications received and the level of funding sought can be made.

This process also diminishes the administrative responsibilities of the voluntary organisations who work tirelessly in their communities to improve the social support of the most vulnerable older people and to promote the benefits of the scheme.

I am anxious to ensure that older people are aware and avail of this scheme. In November 1999, in order to enhance the profile of the scheme, my Department circulated a newsletter to some 311,000 pensioners, outlining details of all relevant schemes including information on the scheme of community support for older people. In addition, the scheme is advertised extensively each year in both the national and provincial newspapers.

An independent review of the scheme was completed in 1999 and there are no plans to amend the terms of the scheme.