Dinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael)

I agree the scheme is excellent as far as it goes. Does the Minister of State agree that restrictions exist that sometimes make matters difficult? For example, this grant can only be applied for at certain times of the year, probably before the end of May. If an elderly person was discharged from hospital in June or July and needed more security, he or she would probably have to wait till next year to apply for it.

Will the Minister of State confirm whether there is an annual monitoring fee of between €60 and €100 attached to this equipment? This sum would be a considerable drain on the resources of elderly people who receive a non-contributory pension. Should the system not be free, like fuel, electricity or telephone rental?

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