Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There is an allocation of €2.7 million for the scheme this year. I will monitor the scheme during the year and if demand is outpacing the funding available, I will examine ways of increasing the funding. Some of the changes we made to the scheme helped. People no longer have to be living alone, there is free monitoring for the first year and there is self declaration of limited means. I made it easier for people to use the scheme. I am happy that the scheme is working. It gives people peace of mind. I must compliment Pobal. It conducted roadshows in communities throughout the country and the communities bought into it. The scheme is working very well.

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