Security of the Elderly.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 April 2009

Wednesday, 22 April 2009

Questions (462, 463, 464, 465, 466)

Brendan Howlin

Question:

517 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will review the retrograde decision to end the grant scheme under which home security devices are provided for older people; his views on the fact that the relatively small saving from the scrappage of this scheme is expected to be exceeded by the cost of additional medical treatment, nursing home care and garda activity arising from the effects on older people’s vulnerability in their homes resulting from the non-availability of publicly funded home security devices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15442/09]

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

527 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will reconsider the decision to suspend the community supports for older people programme; the reason this decision was taken in the first instance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15430/09]

Billy Timmins

Question:

529 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position in relation to the suspension of the community support for older people grant; if, in view of the circumstances involved, this decision will be reversed and funding made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15601/09]

Mary Upton

Question:

531 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will review the decision to suspend the grant in respect of community support to older people which provided for pendant alarms, security lights and so on; his views on the impact of the decision to suspend this grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15804/09]

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

532 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his views on representations from a group (details supplied) in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15979/09]

Written answers

Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 517, 527, 529, 531 and 532 together.

The scheme of community support for older people was suspended on 7 April. This was done with a view to affording my Department an opportunity to review its operation over the next few months and relaunch it later in the year. Yesterday, I met representatives of organisations involved with issues affecting older people. I agreed with them a process that will set the broad parameters for the review and for the necessary consultation to be undertaken as part of it. I am hopeful that the review process can begin in May and be completed by mid-September. I would like to reassure the Deputies that all applications received up to the suspension of the scheme will be processed and approved, as appropriate, in line with the current eligibility criteria. In addition, it is important to note that the suspension of the scheme in no way affects those who already have received a monitored alarm device.