Security of the Elderly.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 May 2005

Tuesday, 31 May 2005

Ceisteanna (320)

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

336 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will extend the scheme of community support for older people for all pensioners; the cost of such a move (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18053/05]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Mr. N. Ahern)

The 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. The scheme is administered by local community and voluntary groups with the support of my Department. There is no means test in connection with the scheme. The only criteria are that the individual applicant is over 65 years of age and has, in the opinion of the local community group, a genuine need for the security equipment in each case. There are no plans at present to further extend this scheme.

Prior to 2004, funding was provided at 90% of the cost of equipment. In 2004, following a review of the scheme, I replaced the 90% limit on funding with individual maximum grants in respect of the various scheme elements. In the case of socially-monitored alarm systems the maximum grant provided is €300. The grant level was fixed at a realistic sum on the basis of grants sought and paid in the previous year by my Department.

My officials have advised me that a number of suppliers of socially-monitored alarm systems quote under €300 for the installation of socially-monitored alarms which are therefore, 100% grant aided and installed at no cost to the applicant.

The scheme also provides grants for security equipment other than socially-monitored alarm systems as follows: €150 in respect of door locks, window locks and door chains; €150 in respect of security lighting; and €50 in respect of smoke alarms.

A figure of €2.8 million has been allocated to the scheme of community supports for older people in 2005. This constitutes a 17% increase on the 2004 scheme, which received an allocation of €2.4 million.