Michael D'Arcy (Wexford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 210: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his plans to make provision for funding for elderly people who want to avail of the services provided by emergency response following the cuts in funding to the sector in the 7 April 2009 Budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19183/09]

John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I refer the Deputy to my response to Questions 68 and 69 on 29 April 2009. As indicated in that reply, the Scheme of Community Support for Older People was suspended on 7th April in order to afford my Department the opportunity to review its operation. I met with representatives of organisations involved with issues affecting older people and I have agreed with them a process that will set the broad parameters for the review and for the necessary consultation to be undertaken as part of it. I am hopeful that the review process can begin in May and be completed by mid September. As indicated in the earlier reply, it is my intention to re-launch the scheme later in the year, once the review is completed.

All applications received up to the suspension of the Scheme will be processed and approved, as appropriate, in line with the current eligibility criteria. In addition, it is important to note that the suspension of the Scheme in no way affects those who already have received a monitored alarm device.