Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 October 2016
201. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if the alarm system for elderly persons and persons residing alone can be provided for persons who do not have a landline. [29630/16]
View answerMy Department is responsible for the Seniors Alert Scheme which encourages 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 Pobal, who took over this role from my Department in September 2015, given that organisation’s significant experience delivering programmes on behalf of Government. Alarms are available for both landline and mobile operation.
In consultation with my Department, Pobal recently commenced a general review of the scheme, which will identify potential improvements, including technological advances and additional services. Consultation with relevant stakeholders is a key component of this review, the results of which will inform my Department’s policy on the future direction of the scheme.
Individuals can find out more about the Seniors Alert Scheme via Pobal’s Helpdesk at 01-5117222 or online at https://sas.pobal.ie/SitePages/Home.aspx
