Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 November 2017
1138. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the funding allocated to the seniors alert scheme in each of the years 2011 to 2016 and to date in 2017; the number of successful applicants in each of the years 2011 to 2016 and to date in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45794/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1139. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the criteria for eligibility under the seniors alert scheme; the circumstances under which persons not living alone are eligible for the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45795/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1140. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the funding allocation for the seniors alert scheme in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45796/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1138 to 1140, inclusive, together.
My Department is responsible for the Seniors Alert Scheme which encourages support for vulnerable older people in our communities through the provision of personalised monitored alarms to enable them to continue to live securely in their homes with confidence, independence and peace of mind.
The allocations provided from 2011 to 2016 and the number of beneficiaries in each of these years (to mid-October 2017) are outlined in the following table.
|
Year |
Allocation €000s |
Beneficiaries |
|
2011 |
2,436 |
7,910 |
|
2012 |
2,524 |
9,142 |
|
2013 |
2,321 |
10,597 |
|
2014 |
1,706 |
7,120 |
|
2015 |
1,539 |
6,705 |
|
2016 |
1,800 |
7,301 |
|
2017 |
2,300 |
8,048 |
In order to qualify under the Scheme, participants must be 65 years or older, of limited means, living alone or living with another person who meets the eligibility criteria or living alone for significant periods of time during the day or a carer to someone else in their household. In addition, participants are required to reside within the geographical area of the relevant registered organisation under the scheme, be able to benefit from the equipment supplied and be prepared to maintain contact with the registered organisation.
The loosening up of the living alone requirements introduced under the new scheme is designed to better reflect the day-to-day circumstances of elderly people in our communities.
