Vol. 548 No. 5
349 Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if he will assist community alert groups providing alarm systems for the elderly to upgrade and replace systems that are obsolete; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5907/02]
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 its commencement, a total of €32.5 million has been allocated to the scheme, which to the end of 2000 has assisted some 80,482 individuals. There has been a further €4.4 million for the scheme in 2002. I am anxious to ensure that this scheme continues to address the security needs of the most vulnerable older people in our society. Under the terms of the scheme, grant aid is available towards the purchase and, or, installation cost of small-scale physical security equipment, such as strengthening of doors and windows, window locks, door chains and locks, security lighting and socially-monitored alarm systems, such as the "pendant alarm system" which is operated via the telephone and is worn around the neck or wrist.
To qualify for assistance under the scheme, older people – aged 65 or over – must be living alone or be living in households made up exclusively of older people, or of older people who are dependent and vulnerable and unable to install or purchase the equipment covered by the scheme themselves. My Department has not received any requests for the replacement or upgrading of equipment on the grounds that it is in need of upgrading or that it is obsolete. If the Deputy is aware of any such cases, I ask her to provide me with the relevant details and I will arrange to have the matter examined further.
