Ann Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Over the next 30 years, the number of people in Ireland over the age of 65 is predicted to double to between 1.3 million and 1.4 million while the number over 80 is expected to quadruple to about 440,000. The Government recognises that quality of life and enabling older people to live life to the full at every stage will become increasingly important as the numbers of older people increase. The fact that more people are living for longer is to be celebrated and is one of the great successes of our age.

Research has shown that loneliness and isolation have a significant impact on the health and well-being of our older people. The risk factor involved in loneliness is as significant as smoking and greater than obesity. Unlike other schemes, applications under the seniors alert scheme do not come directly from the beneficiary but instead from the local community and voluntary groups. A key benefit of the scheme is the interaction between the beneficiary and the local groups which have a track record of working with, or providing services to, older people within their communities. The community group and the beneficiary enter into an informal social contract to remain in touch for a period of at least five years. This scheme has benefitted 90,000 older people at a total cost of some €32 million over the past ten years. Not only is it a fine example of preventative spend, it also improves the well-being of our valuable older citizens.

The operational hand-over between my Department and Pobal is proceeding and should be completed in June of this year. In the meantime, community and voluntary groups wishing to participate and draw down grant support under the seniors alert scheme can apply to my Department in the usual way. Pobal proposes to host a number of regional information sessions to assist local community groups in the transition to the new scheme. The regional information sessions will highlight any new processes and the benefits of the new approach. It will give the local organisations an opportunity to engage with Pobal staff and address any concerns they may have.

It is important to note that my Department will retain responsibility for the strategic policy direction of the scheme. It will also have an oversight role in regard to Pobal's delivery of the scheme and will ensure that the valuable community support for elderly persons provided by the many hundreds of community and voluntary groups across the country will be maintained.

See this speech in context