Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator Scahill for raising this issue. There is no doubt that Storm Éowyn brought huge disconnect and upset to many families across our region. It is important that we learn the lessons, particularly regarding connectivity. I and the Minister, Deputy Patrick O'Donovan, have met the telecommunications companies and asked them to present us with resilience plans. This will also address the concerns the Senator has raised around the seniors alert scheme.

As the Senator said, the seniors alert scheme provides a monitored alarm service to those who meet the qualifying criteria, that is, those over the age of 65 who live alone or spend a significant time each day alone. As the Senator said, over 140,000 participants have used the scheme, which is administered by Pobal under the aegis of my Department, and that included 18,000 new applications in 2024. I assure the Senator that the scheme has been using multinetwork SIM since September 2021, when the current iteration of the scheme was launched.

There are currently two companies contracted to the scheme, both of which meet the minimum standards required for GSM - the global system for mobile communications - or a digital connection. While SIM charges are not covered by the scheme, all other elements are covered, such as the personal alarm device, the installation of the device and the monitoring for the first year. The SIM charges ensure that the participant will always have credit to enable them to contact the monitoring centre.

Beyond the need for connectivity, as I have said, it is vital that the devices will still operate during a localised or widespread power event. It is my understanding that the two current suppliers provide between 24 and 48 hours of battery life on devices that have been installed since September 2021, which would allow for a full 30 minutes of call duration even when the device is without electricity. However, in the context of the events during Storm Éowyn and our resilience plans, this is something I will examine to see what alternatives may be available.

I assure the Senator that officials in my Department are working with Pobal to ensure that the seniors alert scheme continues to provide participants with that most valuable commodity of all, peace of mind. I reiterate and endorse the Senator’s thanks to the community groups that oversee the scheme.