Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 24 Jun 2003

Vol. 569 No. 3

Written Answers. - Security of the Elderly.

John Deasy

Question:

417 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will consider altering the scheme of community support for older people to enable people to apply for the grants for socially monitored alarms systems at any time during the year, rather than restricting them to August each year, when they do not get approval until January; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17654/03]

Minister of State at the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Mr. N. Ahern)

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 scheme the maximum grant available is 90% of the once-off costs of purchasing-installing the necessary security equipment. However, the level of funding made available for individual applications varies according to individual needs and circumstances and according to the overall demand to be met in relation to the available resources. It is necessary to assess all applications at the same time so that an appropriate level of funding can be determined for each application, taking into account the need to target funding at those most in need of assistance under the scheme. In order to facilitate this process, it is necessary to have one closing date for receipt of applications so that an accurate assessment of the total number of applications received and the level of funding sought can be made.

I consider that this process, which lessens the administrative responsibilities on voluntary organisations, supports the voluntary sector in its work to improve the social support of vulnerable older people and to promote the benefits of the scheme. It is expected that the scheme for 2003 will be advertised in July in the national and local papers.