Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 452: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will re-instate the system of grants for personal alarms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22969/09]

John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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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 recently met with representatives of organisations involved with issues affecting older people. We agreed a process setting out the broad parameters for a review of the Scheme and for the necessary consultation which is currently ongoing as part of it. I am confident that this review will be completed by mid September, at which time I expect to be in a position to re-launch a revised Scheme.

All applications received by my Department prior to the suspension of the Scheme are being processed and approved, as appropriate, in line with the current eligibility criteria. In addition, it is important to note that the temporary suspension of the Scheme in no way affects those who already have received a monitored alarm device.