John Perry
Question:413 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if a security pendant will be made available to a person (details supplied) in County Sligo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17490/03]
Written Answers. - Security of the Elderly.
The purpose of the scheme of community support for older people 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.
Under the terms of the scheme, grant aid is available towards the once-off costs of purchase and-or installation of small-scale physical security equipment and socially monitored alarm systems. It is expected that details of the scheme for 2003 will be advertised in July in the national and local papers. If the community group as detailed in the Deputy's question would like to contact the voluntary and community services section of my Department, an information leaflet and application form will be sent to the group when details of the 2003 scheme are available.