Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 107: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of community alert schemes in County Kildare; the number nationally; his plans to develop these schemes in view of the role they play in rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41632/09]

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 am informed by the Garda authorities that there are 1,351 Community Alert schemes in operation throughout the country. I am also informed that there are currently 51 schemes in operation in County Kildare.

Community Alert Schemes operate under a strategy which covers the period 2007 to 2011 and which was launched by the then Minister in October 2007. The strategy was developed following a root and branch review of the programme by a sub committee of the Community Alert Management Committee, which consisted of representatives of Muintir na Tíre, An Garda Síochána and Development Officers. The review took account of the social and demographic changes that have taken place since 1985.

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 €200,000 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.