Written Answers. - Task Force on Security.
Dermot Ahern
Ceist:
66
Mr. D. Ahern
asked the
Minister for Social Welfare
the date on which it was decided to set up a task force which would make recommendations on the way in which security needs of pensioners could be addressed; the identity of the persons on this task force; whether Government approval was obtained; if so, when; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[2283/96]
Máirín Quill
Ceist:
67
Miss Quill
asked the
Minister for Social Welfare
the number of advertisements inserted in weekend newspapers by his Department in relation to the setting up of a Task Force on security for the elderly; the total cost of the advertising campaign; the total amount of money allocated by his Department for the operation of this Task Force; and the names of the members of the Task Force.
[2242/96]
It is proposed to answer Questions Nos. 66 and 67 together.
The security, financial and otherwise, of the elderly is of the utmost importance and this is reflected, so far as my Department is concerned, in the various benefits available and the ongoing improvements which are implemented in response to developing circumstances and emerging needs.
The question of what more might be done to enhance the security of the elderly in the light of the recent attacks has been under consideration for some time. My decision to establish the task force was in response to an ICTU pre budget submission seeking assistance for elderly people with regard to their security.
The Deputies will be aware that the Minister for Finance, in his Budget Statement, provided for tax relief for the purchase cost of alarm systems for persons aged 65 and over living alone. Following consultation with my colleagues I announced in this House on Wednesday 24 January that I was setting up a task force to examine the situation of those, mainly people receiving social welfare pensions, who could not avail of the tax allowance initiative because their incomes were below the relevant tax exemption limits.
Advertisements inviting submissions to the task force were placed in the national newspapers on Sunday and Monday last and will be carried in the main provincial newspapers this week. In all, the advertisement will appear in 35 newspapers at a cost of approximately £22,924.90. This and other costs arising will be met out of my Department's allocation for administration.
The task force members are drawn from various Government Departments and organisations who have experience and expertise in this area.
The members of the task force and the bodies they represent are as follows:
Chairman: Mr. Edmond Sullivan, Director General, Department of Social Welfare.
Members: Mr. David Thompson, President, Irish Security Industry Association; Mr. Tom Geraghty, SIPTU; Mr. Jim Quigley, President, Muintir Na Tíre; Mr. Bryan Barry, Assistant General Secretary, Irish Farmer's Association; Mr. Bob Carroll, National Council for the Elderly; Mr. Benny Kevitt, Director, Long-term Schemes, Department of Social Welfare; Ms Rosheen Callender, Special Adviser to Minister for Social Welfare; Ms Sylda Langford, Principal, Planning Unit, Department of Social Welfare; Mr. Noel Usher, Principal, Department of Health; Mr. Pat Folan, Principal, Department of Justice; Mr. Joe Dowling, Chief Superintendent, Garda Síochána; Mr. Patrick Ruane, Principal, Department of Environment; Mr. Joe Mooney, Principal, Department of Finance.
