Michael Ring
Question:128 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will add the purchase and installation of emergency lights to the list of approved works under the scheme of support for older people. [19527/02]
Written Answers. - Security of the Elderly.
My Department operates 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 the commencement of the scheme of community support for older people in 1996, a total of €32.5 million has been allocated to the scheme, which to the end of 2001 has assisted some 89,136 individuals, and €4.4 million has been provided for the scheme in 2002.
Under the terms of the scheme, grants for the following equipment are provided for: small scale physical security equipment such as, strengthening of doors and windows, window locks, door chains and door locks and security lighting; and socially-monitored alarms systems such as the panic button pendant which is worn around the neck or wrist and operated via the telephone. Funding is not available under the scheme for emergency lights. An independent review of the scheme was completed in 1999 and there are no plans to amend the terms of the scheme.
Question No. 129 answered with Question No. 83.
Question No. 130 answered with Question No. 90.