Seamus Kirk
Ceist:347 Mr. Kirk asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if grant aid for security for the elderly will be made available in 1999; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19531/98]
Written Answers. - Security of the Elderly.
As the Deputy is aware my Department has, since 1996, operated the scheme of community support for older people, the purpose of which is to provide funding for initiatives to improve the security and social support of vulnerable older people. This funding is provided by way of grant to voluntary groups who have undertaken to identify those elderly people in need of assistance under the scheme.
The objective of the scheme is to address the security needs of vulnerable older people and a significant number of people have benefited in this regard. I am anxious to ensure that the scheme remains focused and provides this assistance in the most efficient and effective way possible. In this regard, my Department has, in consultation with the Departments of Finance and Health and Children, commissioned an independent review of the scheme which will consider how the scheme is meeting its objectives and whether it is doing so in the most efficient and effective way possible. This final report from the consultants will not be available until later this year. It will not be possible to indicate what the future of the scheme may be until the final report is available and has been considered and until final decisions on the 1999 expenditure provisions are made.