Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Looking at the demographics, clearly, we are living longer and healthier lives. There are increasing numbers of older people and likely to be increased demand for this scheme in future. In north-west Cork, the population aged over 65 is that bit greater than the rest of the country, so we expect there would be even greater demand in our community. We wish to try to establish if the Department is making it increasingly available to more people. Is the capacity in this regard being increased so more people can apply for and have these senior alert alarms and the security that goes with them? I refer to ensuring the availability of this scheme in some places where previously there were strong community groups able to work on a scheme like this and deliver it in the community, but where some of those groups are not there all the time. It is necessary to reach back and reinvigorate those community groups as well. They are a vital link in this regard and this must also be addressed.

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