Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 March 2015
545. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the transfer of the administration of the seniors alert scheme to Pobal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10479/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra548. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 572 of 3 February 2015, if the increased expenditure will allow the monitoring fee to be reduced per year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10535/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 545 and 548 together.
My Department manages the Seniors Alert Scheme which encourages community support for vulnerable older people in our communities by providing grant assistance towards the purchase and installation of personal monitored alarms to enable older persons, of limited means, to continue to live securely in their homes with confidence, independence and peace of mind. The scheme is administered by local community and voluntary groups with the support of my Department.
The maximum grant per beneficiary for equipment is as follows:
- Monitored personal alarms (with pendant) - €250
- Additional pendant/Re-installation - €50
The cost of monitoring the alarm is not covered under the scheme; annual monitoring costs (generally between €60 - €80 per annum) are borne by the beneficiary. The contract for monitoring services is a matter between the beneficiary and the monitoring service provider; my Department has no role in the matter.
The funding allocated for the Seniors Alert Scheme has been maintained at €2.35 million over the last three years which is sufficient to meet current demand levels for this important Scheme. The Scheme is a demand-led scheme and actual expenditure in any year can vary.
My Department undertook to consider new approaches to the Seniors Alert Scheme in 2014 and arising from this, it was decided that the scheme be managed by Pobal, given that organisation’s significant experience delivering programmes on behalf of Government. There are no implications for existing installations in respect of the Pobal tender competition. Under the new arrangements, Pobal are offering a facility for beneficiaries to choose from a panel of monitoring companies, if desired. Beneficiaries are free to continue with their current monitoring company; there is no onus on anyone to change from their existing provider.
The operational handover between my Department and Pobal is proceeding and should be completed mid-year. In the meantime Community and Voluntary Groups wishing to draw down grant support under the Seniors Alert Scheme can continue to apply to my Department in the usual way.
This new approach will reduce the administrative burden for the many hundreds of community and voluntary groups registered under the Scheme, who provide an excellent service for the elderly. It will enable the groups to concentrate on the main purpose of the Scheme, namely to support and engage with the elderly in the local community.
