Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 266: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the fact that two reputable bodies (details supplied) do not offer security locks under the scheme of community support for older people due to a lack of funding; if he will immediately address this problem; if he will advise of the bodies in Dublin 9 and Dublin 11 which offer security locks under this scheme; if none exists, the bodies to which pensioners from these areas may apply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6896/05]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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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. The scheme is administered throughout the country by local voluntary and community groups. Any local voluntary or community-based organisation, especially those working with or providing support for older people, can apply to the Department for funding under the scheme. A list of the Dublin-based groups approved for funding under the scheme in 2004, including those in Dublin 9 and Dublin 11, follows. The list is also available on the Department's website www.pobail.ie.

Funding under the scheme can be provided for small-scale security equipment designed to strengthen points of entry to dwellings, security lighting and the once-off cost of installing socially monitored personal alarm systems. In 2004, the scheme was extended to include smoke alarms.

A grant of €12,996.68 was awarded to Energy Action for security equipment, including window locks, door locks, door chains, bolts and spy viewers. The amount awarded was in respect of individual applicants where the necessary details were supplied in accordance with the scheme guidelines. The Department did not receive an application for funding from ER Community Services, Clondalkin.

I expect to announce the 2005 scheme in the next month or so and it is open to the organisations in question to apply for funding at that time.