Vol. 466 No. 5
123 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will give details of the £2 million package recently announced to help strengthen security for elderly people; the way in which this money will be allocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11824/96]
Arising out of the recommendations of the special task force on security for the elderly, a sum of £2 million was made available to my Department to provide grant-aid to voluntary groups in relation to security initiatives for the elderly. Subsequently, the Department established an advisory committee, on which the National Council for the Elderly, the Irish Association for Victim Support, Muintir na Tíre, the Irish Country Women's Association and the Garda Síochána are represented, to devise a suitable scheme that would ensure that the available funds are targeted on the most vulnerable older people and the best possible value for money is achieved. The scheme, entitled scheme of community support for older people was advertised on Wednesday, 29 May, in the national newspapers. The deadline for receipt of applications is 28 June 1996.
The scheme is open to any voluntary or community-based organisation working with or providing support for vulnerable older people.
Funding will be available for smallscale physical security equipment such as strengthening of doors and windows, window locks, doors chains, door locks and security lighting; and socially monitored alarm systems.
Priority in allocating the available funds will be given to the most vulnerable older people. Vulnerability is defined in terms of advanced age, disability, isolation — social or otherwise — and those who have previously been victims of crime.
The maximum grant that will be made available to any voluntary organisation will be 90 per cent of the total cost of the project. However, the actual grant will vary in the light of individual circumstances and needs. It is envisaged that in practice grants allocated will only cover 50 per cent of the total cost.
