Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 November 2004
177 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the extent of the cutbacks in funding in the years 2002, 2003 and 2004 for the community support for older people scheme that provides security for the elderly; if this matter will be addressed in order that the level of funding is maintained; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30556/04]
View answerSince 1997, the scheme of community support for older people has provided in excess of €30 million to supply socially-monitored alarms and other security items to many older people. Over 8,000 individuals benefited from the scheme last year alone. It is a measure of the success of the scheme that a gradual fall-off in demand has been experienced as more people have their security needs met by the scheme and the funding made available for the scheme in recent years is a reflection of that demand. I will continue to monitor the funding available to the scheme in the light of demand.
