Joe O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Moynihan for the question. The Department is responsible for the senior alert scheme which encourages community support for vulnerable older people in our communities through the provision of personal monitored alarms to enable them to live securely in their homes with confidence, independence and peace of mind. Funding is available under the scheme towards the purchase by a registered community-based organisation of a personal alarm or pendant.

The current version of the scheme came into effect in September 2021. Along with the provision of free monitoring for the first year and a revision of the living alone requirements, it introduced a new key feature in the additional option of a digital alarm for use with web-based connections.

Initial discussions have taken place between officials from the Department and the Department of Health to consider the potential role of the seniors alert scheme as part of the increased use of assistive technologies aimed at supporting people to continue to live independently within their communities.

The scheme is administered by Pobal with the support of approximately 650 registered local community and voluntary groups. This community element is central to the success of the scheme, helping to address concerns around social isolation in our older people.

In addition, a national publicity campaign will be launched shortly to further raise awareness around the scheme and encourage families and individuals to avail of this potentially lifesaving equipment. While the campaign will have a national reach, it will have a particular focus on the regions with low uptake and will avail of the most recent census data in this regard.

The senior alert scheme is also part of the annual Be Winter Ready campaign, ensuring communities take all the steps necessary to be prepared for severe weather conditions.

The senior alert scheme alarm is a lifeline for participants and their families, providing much needed reassurance that help is available in the event of an emergency. I am committed to ensuring it keeps supporting our elderly citizens who need it most.

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