Written answers

Thursday, 14 April 2005

Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs

Security of the Elderly

5:00 pm

Photo of Jim O'KeeffeJim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 51: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position regarding the scheme of community support for older people and the funding available for same; and the funding which has been and will be made available under this scheme for Bandon community watch. [11282/05]

Photo of Noel AhernNoel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The scheme of community support for older people encourages and assists local 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: window locks, door locks and door chains designed to strengthen points of entry to the dwelling; security lighting; smoke alarms; and for the once-off cost of installing socially monitored personal alarm systems. The maximum individual grants available for these items are: €300 in respect of socially monitored alarms; €150 in respect of physical security equipment; €150 in respect of security lighting; and €50 in respect of smoke alarms. The total funding available in the 2005 scheme of community support for older people is €2.8 million.

An application under the scheme of community support for older people was received by my Department from Bandon Neighbourhood Watch in September 2004. Unfortunately the group did not furnish some supporting documentation, necessary to process the application, which had been requested by my Department. The time for receipt of this documentation has now passed and the grant application has accordingly lapsed. However, I recently announced the 2005 scheme open for applications. I have asked my officials to forward a copy of the guidelines and application form to the group in question should it wish to apply under this year's scheme.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.