Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 October 2013
367. Deputy John O'Mahony asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to examine the senior alert scheme; if he will provide extra resources to help persons upgrade to enable them to use a mobile phone; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44632/13]
View answerThe Seniors Alert Scheme aims to encourage community support for vulnerable older people in our communities by providing grant assistance towards the purchase and installation of personal monitored alarms to enable older persons, of limited 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 and I intend to continue the Scheme in 2014. To date, my Department has only approved applications for personal monitored alarms connected to a landline. Personal monitored alarms are now available using mobile technology and my Department is currently examining these alternative systems including any resource implications. It would be a matter for the sponsoring community group to satisfy itself that a system using mobile technology provides reliable coverage in its area.
