Care of the Elderly.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 July 2004

Thursday, 8 July 2004

Questions (255)

Richard Bruton

Question:

249 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of persons who have had smoke alarms installed under the initiative announced by former Minister of State Moffatt to reduce the fire hazard in the homes of older persons; the agents used for the disbursement of these moneys; and if the instalment of alarms has been accompanied by an advice service to older persons in respect of fire hazards. [21137/04]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Mr. Callely)

Primary responsibility for the provision of smoke alarms for the elderly rests with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The initiative to which the Deputy refers was announced in January 2002. However following consideration of the issue by the Departments of Health and Children and Environment, Heritage and Local Government in association with the National Safety Council, it emerged that there were legal difficulties associated with the initiative as proposed. In the circumstances it was considered prudent not to proceed with the initiative.