Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)

I do not see how that is possible. Perhaps they should shop around for better value. Some groups that provide a service to community groups and senior citizen groups take good care of the groups but they are not cheap. It may be that some products are better than others but I do not think major differences exist.

The Department is flexible, even if an application was received two or three months previously and that group contacts us to request more equipment, it is possible to meet that request while applications are being processed. Once the cheque is sent out, it is regarded as completed for the year. It is not as rigid as some people might suggest.

The grant of 90% is gone. The only disadvantage to that is some alarms are more than personal alarms, they are medical aids that may cost up to €1,000. Some of them may have been covered by the grant of 90% but they are not a security measure. Some are alarms to alert a person if his or her blood or sugar levels are up or down. One or two of those cases may no longer be covered, but it is arguable whether they should ever have been approved. We work with many community groups that provide an excellent service at voluntary level and we are prepared to examine good suggestions. At the same time we want a manageable scheme.