Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 157: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of community alert schemes in County Kildare; if the number has increased over the past number of years; the amount of support that is available from his Department to establish a scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2594/09]

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 158: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of community alert schemes here; if the number has increased in recent years; the amount of support that is available from his Department to establish a scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2593/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 157 and 158 together.

The Community Alert Programme is a community-based initiative in rural communities, set up in 1985 by Muintir na Tíre in association with the Garda authorities. The Programme is dedicated in particular to improving the quality of life of vulnerable people in rural communities, especially the elderly, by: crime prevention; neighbourliness and self-reliance; general community safety and well-being; accident prevention; promotion of personal safety; and awareness of social inclusion. I am informed by the Garda authorities that there are 1,341 Community Alert schemes in operation throughout the country, of which 67 were formed in the past five years. I am also informed that there are currently 54 schemes in operation in County Kildare, of which ten were established in the past five years.

I regard the work of Community Alert as very important. In recent years my Department has provided funding to Muintir na Tíre for the Community Alert Programme of €150,000 in 2004, €120,000 in 2005, €175,000 in 2006, €200,000 in 2007 and €200,000 in 2008. Funding is also provided by the Health Service Executive. The funding covered the costs associated with running the Programme, including salaries, travel and subsistence, staff training and administration. Funding is not provided directly by my Department to schemes, but resource material, including booklets, stickers and survey and related material, is provided by An Garda Síochána.