John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 622: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will make funding available for community alert schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30736/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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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 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, €200,000 in 2008 and €100,000 to date in 2009. 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, in addition to advice.