Deirdre Clune (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 279: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps he will take to address the problem of elderly persons being targeted by criminals calling to their homes and posing in different guises, including as gardaí, to convince elderly persons to give them money; the supports that exist for victims of such crimes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8765/10]

Deirdre Clune (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 280: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps he will take to address the problem of elderly people being targeted by criminals calling to their homes and offering to do work but refusing to provide quotes, refusing to carry out any work after being paid or demanding extra payments for work after it has been carried out; the supports that exist for victims of such crimes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8766/10]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 279 and 280 together.

I am concerned about reports of elderly persons being targeted, in whatever manner, by those engaged in criminal activities. The Garda Commissioner shares these concerns.

An Garda Síochána has highlighted the danger posed by bogus callers, posing as employees of public authorities, to the homes of elderly people. The Garda authorities have advised home occupiers to request appropriate identification from callers and to check also with the organisation they claim to represent. In cases where the home occupier is in any doubt, they should contact their local Gardaí immediately. Likewise, where there are concerns about people seeking improper payments or obtaining payments by deception, Garda assistance should be sought. An Garda Síochána has also asked neighbours and family friends to be vigilant in this regard and to remind the elderly and those living alone of the dangers posed by bogus callers.

Advice is available from An Garda Síochána for older persons and others on personal safety, including on dealing with bogus traders and callers. http://www.garda.ie/ All members of An Garda Síochána promote crime prevention and reduction. In addition, there are dedicated crime prevention officers within each Garda Division. These officers are trained to promote and provide advice on crime prevention to individuals and the business community.

The Victims of Crime Office, which was established in September, 2008, is an Executive Office of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. The Office works to improve the continuity and quality of services to victims of crime by State agencies and non-governmental organisations throughout the country and supports the development of competent, caring and efficient services to victims of crime.

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, and the Department estimates that the homes of some 90,000 older people are currently being monitored on a 24 hour seven day basis. The Department will introduce a revised Scheme in the coming weeks and will keep the current arrangements in place to avoid any disruption in grant support.