Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 277: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if, in view of the fact that the scheme of community support for older people is due to cease on 21 May 2010, he will provide details for the proposed new senior alert scheme which is due to replace this existing valuable scheme. [17854/10]

Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy will be aware that, in 2009, my Department reviewed the operation of the Scheme of Community Support for Older People (CSOP), which resulted in a decision that a new grant scheme be put in place. I am pleased to announce that the new scheme - to be known as Seniors Alert - will become operational from 24 May next. While the specific details of the new scheme are currently being finalised, a number of the recommendations arising from the review are being taken on board.

I will be announcing more details of the scheme in the coming weeks. Copies of the Review of the CSOP and further information on the new scheme will be available from my Department and will be also be published on my Department's website (www.pobail.ie) in the coming weeks. In the meantime, my Department will be processing all applications received up to 21 May under the existing CSOP scheme.