My Department operates the scheme of community support for older people, the purpose of which is to improve the security and social support of vulnerable older people. This funding is provided by way of grant aid to voluntary groups and organisations who have undertaken to identify those elderly people in need of assistance under the scheme. Since its commencement in 1996, a total of €32.5 million has been allocated to this scheme which, to the end of 2001, has assisted some 89,136 individuals. A total of €4.4 million has been provided for the scheme in 2002.