Vol. 510 No. 5
192 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs when 1999 grants to community groups for security for the elderly will be paid; and the percentage of total costs which will be allowed in 1999. [23129/99]
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 and organisations who have undertaken to identify those elderly people in need of assistance under the scheme.
A sum of £5 million has been allocated to the scheme this year. In general, grants under the scheme cover from 50 per cent to 90 per cent of the once-off cost of the purchase and/or installation of the necessary security equipment. While the maximum grant available under this scheme is 90 per cent of the total cost, it is not possible to guarantee this level of funding in respect of all applications received under the scheme. The actual amount of the grant will vary in the light of individual circumstances and needs and the overall demands which must be met.
The closing date for the 1999 scheme was July. Applications received under the scheme are currently being processed in the regional offices of my Department and voluntary organisations who applied under the scheme should be hearing from my Department regarding their applications shortly.
