I propose to take Questions Nos. 854 and 900 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. The Scheme is administered by local community and voluntary groups with the support of my Department.
The funding allocated to the Seniors Alert Scheme in 2013 is €2.35m. Expenditure to date on the Scheme is approximately €1.795m (76%). I expect the full allocation to be spent by year-end.
On-going funding for my Department’s programme s in 2014, including the Seniors Alert Scheme, will be considered in the context of the annual Estimates process.