Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 20 Jun 1996

Vol. 467 No. 3

Written Answers. - Security Measures For Elderly.

Michael Smith

Ceist:

21 Mr. M. Smith asked the Minister for Social Welfare whether the recently advertised grant aid for community groups to assist the elderly with security systems is meant to be a definitive and complete response to the plight of the elderly in view of the fact that only four weeks notice was given in the public press and limited assistance was offered under the proposed scheme. [12945/96]

Donal Moynihan

Ceist:

37 Mr. Moynihan asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will give details of the applications made to date under the security measures for older people; the number of applications that have been allowed; the total payments made under this scheme; the plans, if any, he has to extend the closing date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12940/96]

Minister for Social Welfare (Proinsias De Rossa)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 21 and 37 together. As the Deputies will be aware, one of the recommendations of the Special Task Force on Security for the Elderly was that my Department introduce a £2 million grant scheme to provide grant-aid to voluntary groups in relation to security initiatives for the elderly. That recommendation was accepted. Subsequently, I 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 a Scheme of Community Support for Older People was advertised on Wednesday, 28 May, in the national newspapers. The scheme is open to any voluntary or communitybased organisation working with or providing support for vulnerable older people. It was decided that to make the funds available through voluntary organisations was the most appropriate way of ensuring that the most vulnerable older people are targeted by the scheme. I was aware that many voluntary organisations are already providing services such as those covered by this new scheme and have developed expertise and local contacts. Voluntary groups operate close to the ground and are aware of the greatest need in their communities. Working with the voluntary sector to deliver these funds to the most needy has the advantage that individual older people need not make an application and can have their needs met with the minimum of administration and without the need for a formal assessment of their circumstances by Department staff. I am satisfied that this is the most appropriate way in which to structure my Department's response to the situation.

The deadline for receipt of applications is 28 June 1996. This is to allow time for my Department to assess all applications and to ensure that those most at risk benefit from the available funds before the onset of winter. Applications received after the formal closing date will still receive consideration, in the light of the resources still available at that time. However, Members will appreciate the need to commence assessment of applications and to have grants made as soon as possible to ensure that the scheme benefits people before the nights get dark. To formally extend the closing date could be counterproductive in that regard.

My Department had been in contact with a number of relevant national organisations prior to the formal advertisement of the scheme with a view to disseminating information on the grants and enabling voluntary organisations to compile applications in advance of the public advertisement. The scheme is being administered in each of my Department's regions with the aid of a regional advisory committee which mirrors the composition of the national advisory committee referred to above.

A total of eight applications had been received in my Department's regional offices at close of business yesterday. This follows the normal pattern seen in relation to my Department's grant schemes in that the bulk of applications are received just before the closing date. As the closing date for the scheme is 28 June, no applications have yet been approved nor have any payments been made.