Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 787: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his views on extending the scheme of community support for older people to include funding for the provision of security cameras particularly for people living in isolated areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1859/08]

Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Scheme of Community Support for Older People is managed by my Department and is administered by local community and voluntary groups. It currently provides individual grants in respect of the once-off installation cost of socially monitored alarms, small items of physical security and interior emergency lighting for qualifying older people living on our offshore islands.

In managing this Scheme, my Department is conscious of the need to adapt to changing requirements and, in the last two years, for example, improvements have been made to the Scheme administration, such as introducing an open application process. Maximum grants have also been increased.

I believe the Scheme provides a valuable service for the older members of our communities. It is not, however, intended to extend the Scheme to include funding for the provision of security cameras.