Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 November 2004
181 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the extent of support offered under the programme for community support for older people in County Mayo for each of the past three years; the cost involved; the position in so far as the programme for 2005 is concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30776/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe purpose of the scheme of community support for older people is to encourage and assist the community's support for older people by means of a community based grant scheme to improve the security of its older members. Funding under the scheme can be provided for small scale security equipment designed to strengthen points of entry to the dwelling and for security lighting and for the once-off cost of installing socially monitored personal alarm systems. This year the scheme has been extended to include smoke alarms.
In 2002, €61,025 was awarded under the scheme to 21 community and voluntary groups in County Mayo on behalf of older people in their communities. In 2003, €95,032 was awarded under the scheme to 22 community and voluntary groups in County Mayo on behalf of older people in their communities.
This year, 32 applications have been received from community and voluntary groups in County Mayo on behalf of older people in their communities. My Department is currently engaged in processing these applications and it is intended that grants will issue to those groups who meet the criteria of the scheme next month.
