Vol. 564 No. 1
334 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will make funding available to a person (details supplied) for the installation of an alarm in view of the fact that they are elderly and in view of the break-in in homes in their neighbourhood; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8877/03]
The scheme of community support for older people provides funding for initiatives to improve the security and social support of vulnerable older people. Funding is provided by way of grant aid to voluntary groups and organisations who identify elderly people in need of assistance under the scheme.
Under the terms of the scheme, grants are provided towards the cost of small-scale physical security equipment 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 for conventional intruder alarms or smoke alarms. Invitations to apply for funding under this scheme in 2003 will be advertised in the national and local papers later in the year.
