Mary O'Rourke (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)

I am pleased I submitted my Adjournment matter to the Ceann Comhairle in sufficient time and I thank him for accepting it tonight.

I have an idea of what is happening on this matter, not from the Minister but I added two and two - it made 22, not four - when I became aware of various things that were taking place. I hope the Minister will review this issue and that when he decides to reinstate the scheme, which I hope he will, he will have taken account of the great deal of information which will have been given to him to demonstrate that there are many better ways of implementing the scheme. In my opinion, the scheme should always be in the hands of voluntary groups such as Muintir na Tire or Irish Rural Link, which is based in Moate, or Helplink South, a wonderful voluntary organisation supplying huge numbers of people with monitors through its very dedicated staff.

I am aware that details have emerged which are not helpful for the people who most need these aids. As Deputy Sherlock said, it is a wonderful scheme. While I live in the town of Athlone much of my constituency is rural. When I visit the house of a person who lives alone I always notice when they are wearing the chain and disc around their neck. Thankfully, the person will be able to ring somebody if they require help. The professional way in which the alarms are monitored and responded to is amazing. It gives great ease and comfort to older people. Undoubtedly, it is a very good scheme. I am sure the Minister, in his thorough and calm way, has decided in the review to put a stop to what is not right in the scheme and to encourage the correct way of doing things.

All schemes when they are started have a good basis for getting off the ground. Everybody is delighted and encouraging but as time passes various matters impinge upon the scheme, which is not good for the scheme's recipients. I wish the Minister good luck in the review, but I hope he will tell us that the scheme will be restarted in a proper, monitored and structured way.

See this speech in context