Joe Walsh
Ceist:120 Mr. J. Walsh asked the Minister for Social Welfare when he will implement the details of the package of measures to improve security for the elderly as announced by him on 21 March 1996. [11177/96]
Written Answers. - Security for the Elderly.
Mildred Fox
Ceist:122 Ms M. Fox asked the Minister for Social Welfare the progress, if any, that has been made regarding proposals to make alarm systems available to all old age pensioners, particularly those with non-taxable incomes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11195/96]
It is proposed to answer Questions Nos. 120 and 122 together.
Last March, the Government approved proposals in relation to the recommendations of the Task Force on Security for the Elderly and work has been under way since then in implementing the recommendations.
The extension of income tax relief to persons who install security systems in the home of their elderly relatives living alone was included in this year's Finance Act.
A sum of £2 million was made available to provide grant aid to voluntary groups for security initiatives for the elderly. An advisory committee was established to devise a suitable scheme for the distribution of grants. The scheme, entitled Scheme of Community Support for Older People, is being advertised today, Wednesday, 29 May in the national newspapers.
It has been agreed between my Department and Telecom Éireann that pensioners who are receiving a living alone allowance but who do not have a telephone at present will be eligible to install a telephone line for £75. This represents a substantial reduction on the normal installation cost. The Department will shortly write to each of these pensioners giving them details of this offer. As soon as the pensioners obtain a telephone, they will be eligible to claim free telephone rental allowance.
In March 1996, my Department wrote to sponsors of the student summer job scheme asking them, when planning for this year's scheme, to consider projects which would enhance or develop security measures for the elderly who live in remote areas to help make them more secure in their homes. Examination of the applications received from sponsors is currently being finalised.
Discussions are currently taking place between my Department and the Department of Justice to set up a campaign to provide elderly people with specific information and advice on how to improve personal security both inside and outside their homes. It is intended to initiate this campaign shortly.
The other recommendations of the task force are being pursued by the relevant other Government Departments.