I propose to take Questions Nos. 133 and 134 together.
The Seniors Alert Scheme provides grant assistance towards the purchase and installation of equipment to enable older persons, without sufficient means, to continue to live securely in their homes with confidence, independence and peace of mind. It is my intention that funding for the 2013 Seniors Alert Scheme will be similar to 2012 levels.
The qualifying criteria for the scheme will remain unchanged. Monitored Personal Alarms will continue to be supplied to persons over 65 living on their own or with other qualifying persons. Cohabiting couples who are both over 65 will be able to apply provided they meet the qualifying criteria. In the current economic climate, the Department’s priority is to continue to provide the maximum number of personal monitored alarms to as many older persons as possible in 2013.