Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for the reply. Awareness, through Pobal and other agencies involved in promoting the seniors alert scheme, is most important. I have seen it at first hand. Almost 500 people have participated in it in my constituency in Sligo and Leitrim in the past year, and I am sure many others would do so if people were aware that they do not need to live alone for this alert system to be put in place.

We see vandalism and robberies in the countryside and people suffer ill health. I have seen many people whose lives have been saved as a result of this system. It is vital that we encourage Pobal to advertise this service. Will the Minister say if there has been an advertising campaign to raise awareness? Many people are working in this area in their communities but there are many others who are not aware of it.

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