Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 393: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to strengthen the protection of old age pensioners and vulnerable people in their homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3562/10]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that the number of Gardaí assigned as dedicated Community Gardaí has increased from 709 at the end of December 2008 to 1,058 at the end of December 2009; an increase of almost fifty percent. The work of An Garda Síochána is driven by a community policing ethos. The new Garda Síochána National Model of Community Policing was launched last year to deliver:

a consistent national structure to the Community Policing function;

a more coordinated and efficient Garda service to the community; and

the spread of good practices and quality service in Community Policing on a national basis.

Community Alert, set up by Muintir na Tíre in association with An Garda Síochána in 1985, is a national movement comprising over 1,300 local groups dedicated to improving the quality of life of people in rural communities who are vulnerable, in particular the elderly, by:

preventing crime;

promoting general community safety and well-being;

promoting personal safety;

preventing accidents;

promoting neighbourliness and self-reliance; and

having an anti-poverty focus and awareness of social inclusion.

My Department provides financial support to Community Alert. Neighbourhood Watch was established by the Gardaí to enlist the voluntary help of the community in cooperation with An Garda Síochána and operates mainly in urban areas. It promotes community participation and good citizenship at a time when sections of our community are in danger of becoming marginalised. Its importance lies in reducing opportunities for crime by improving personal and home security, including the security of older people, and fostering a community spirit where neighbours look out for each other. The programme is administered by An Garda Síochána through the Garda Community Relations Division.

I am informed that the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs provides grant support for community and voluntary organisations to address the isolation and security needs of older people. The Scheme of Community Support for Older People has enabled the installation of monitored alert systems since 1996. The Department estimates that the homes of some 90,000 older people are currently monitored on a 24 hour seven day basis. The Scheme was reviewed during 2009. The Review called for closer working relationships at local level between community groups working with older people, the fire services and An Garda Síochána to improve coordination and lessen the risks for older people living alone. I am informed that an improved Scheme will become available in the coming weeks.