Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I refer the Deputy to my reply to Questions Nos. 1266, 1268 and 1273 of 29 September 2004.

The purpose of the scheme of community support for older people is to encourage and assist the community's support for older people by means of a community based grant scheme to improve the security of its older members. Funding under the scheme can be provided for small scale security equipment designed to strengthen points of entry to the dwelling; for security lighting and for the once-off cost of installing socially monitored personal alarm systems. This year the scheme has been extended to include smoke alarms. Burglar alarm systems are not covered by the scheme. The 2004 scheme was advertised nationwide on 29 July 2004 with a closing date of 13 September 2004.

I have indicated that given the nature of this scheme my Department will be flexible and understanding in relation to applications received after the official closing date. My Department is currently engaged in processing applications for the 2004 scheme and grants will issue to community groups at the earliest possible date.