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

Question 817: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position regarding a scheme (details supplied); if a review has taken place; if so, the outcome of the review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30956/09]

Pádraic McCormack (Galway West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 819: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if the community support for older people grant scheme will be restored; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31206/09]

Ned O'Keeffe (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 821: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position regarding a grant scheme (details supplied) in County Cork. [31243/09]

Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 822: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when funding to the scheme of community support for older people will be made available to finance the purchase of personal safety alarms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31280/09]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 817, 819, 821 and 822 together.

The Scheme of Community Support for Older People was suspended on 7th April. This was done with a view to affording my Department the opportunity to review the Scheme's operation and to consult with interested parties. This review is currently ongoing and to date in excess of 100 written submissions have been received. In addition, some 100 community groups have contributed to the review through a telephone survey conducted by my Department.

My officials are also meeting with representatives of An Garda Síochána at national and local level, the Fire Services, officials of other Government Departments and the Health Service Executive and other parties dealing with issues surrounding the welfare and security of older people to establish what other measures might be implemented to improve the administration and operation of the Scheme. While it is too early to be categoric regarding the completion date I understand that the report is likely to be finalised over the coming weeks.