Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The second scheme I will focus on is the seniors alert scheme, which is unique. This is a game changer. It will change the quality of life of people in their homes by giving security to them. The household benefits package provides free travel and free electricity units, and it may even include free telephone rental now. The seniors alert scheme should be under the package as well and we should push the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection to do this. At the moment, community alert groups engage with people of a certain generation and tell them what they can get but we need to do more because we need to ensure everyone can get this. It should be part of the household benefits package on reaching a certain age. It gives security to people who might be living by themselves and feeling secure in our homes is all we want from life. Providing for that in this package would streamline the scheme and benefit all our elderly.

The Department is a shining example of what can happen when there is energy and drive behind something. It has done a lot in a short time. I acknowledge the contribution of the Minister of State given his energy is behind these projects.