Vol. 567 No. 3
201 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the funding he is making available under the ad hoc scheme to provide security locks, reinforced chains and security lighting for old age pensioners through various voluntary agencies; and when these agencies will be in a position to advertise for applications. [14087/03]
The scheme of community support for older people provides funding for initiatives to improve the security and social support of vulnerable older people.
Under the terms of the scheme, grants are provided for the following equipment: 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 alarm systems, such as the panic button pendant which is worn around the neck or wrist and operated via the telephone.
I hope to announce details of the scheme for 2003 in July, which will be advertised in both the national and provincial newspapers.
202 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will consider including burglar alarms under the scheme for community support for the elderly in view of the fact that older people need the additional measure of personal security; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14201/03]
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 alarm 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. Any amendment of the terms of the scheme in this regard would have to be considered in the context of available resources. I hope to announce details of the scheme for 2003 in July, which will be advertised in both the national and provincial papers.
203 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position regarding an application under the scheme of community support for older people by a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12. [14202/03]
I can confirm that an application on behalf of the individual named in the Deputy's question was included in the funding application received in my Department in 2002 from a voluntary organisation under the scheme of community support for older people.
