Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 22: To ask the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will consider a house alarm as part of the community support for older people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14260/10]

Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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The Scheme of Community Support for Older People (CSOP) focuses mainly on the provision of monitored personal alert equipment and it is not proposed to extend the scheme to cover house alarms at this time. The Deputy will be aware that my Department carried out a review of the CSOP in 2009. While it was evident from discussions with community and voluntary groups during the review that there is overwhelming support for the continued funding of monitored personal alert equipment, there appears to be no discernible demand to extend the scheme to cover house alarms. Personal alarms bring greater ease of mind to the user as they allow for direct two-way interaction with the monitoring station in the event of any concerns being raised by the user. They can also monitor many other features such as smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and other telecare devices.

Arrangements for the introduction of a revised scheme — which will address a range of issues raised in the review — are at an advanced stage and I hope to launch it before the end of April. It should be noted, however, that the existing scheme will remain open until such time as the new arrangements are in put in place.