Vol. 554 No. 5
1608 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will provide funding for the maintenance costs of security alarms for the elderly; and if he will investigate the situation regarding funding for the maintenance of digital communicators for elderly people. [15353/02]
Since the commencement of the scheme of community support for older people, a total of €32.5 million has been allocated to the scheme, which to the end of 2001 has assisted some 89,136 individuals. Some €4.4 million has been provided for the scheme in 2002.
The purpose of the scheme is to provide funding for initiatives to improve the security and social support of vulnerable older people.
Under the terms of the scheme, grant aid is available towards the once-off costs of purchase and-or installation of small-scale physical security equipment such as strengthening of doors and windows, window locks, door chains and locks and security lighting; and socially-monitored alarm systems, such as the "pendant" alarm system which is operated via the telephone and is worn around the neck or wrist.
Annual monitoring fees or maintenance fees associated with socially-monitored alarm systems are not provided for under the scheme. As these fees are levied by private service providers, this Department has no role in setting, abolishing, waiving or reducing such fees. Unfortunately, funding is not available under the scheme for repairs, replacements or upgrading of this equipment.
A review of the scheme was conducted in 1999 and there are no plans to amend the terms of the scheme.
