Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 270: To ask the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs if he has carried out a review of the programmes and funding in respect of security schemes for senior citizens; the results of such a review; his plans to increase the funding and increase the number of schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30439/10]

Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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My Department reviewed the operation of the Scheme of Community Support for Older People (CSOP) in 2009. The review recommended a revised grant scheme that would provide clarity on a range of issues and would put the scheme on a modern footing. Recommendations were also made with respect to the need to simplify the administrative arrangements, as well as to strengthen the eligibility criteria and the community-based nature of the grant. Other recommendations concerned the level of grant support and the equipment covered by it, as well as issues related to access, coverage, improved targeting of resources and the quality of information available. I published the review on 4 May 2010 and it is available on my Department's website (www.pobail.ie).

A new Seniors Alert Scheme replaced the CSOP with effect from 24 May 2010. The new scheme will continue to operate by means of community-based grant to local community and voluntary groups. While the eligibility criteria remain broadly the same, new application and assessment procedures have been introduced to improve the management and administration of the scheme and to reduce the administrative burden groups. The range of equipment eligible for support has also been modified.

Funding of €2.1m was provided to community groups under the CSOP in 2009. Overall, some €3.1m has been provided in my Department's Vote for the CSOP/Seniors Alert Scheme in 2010, an increase of 50% on the 2009 provision. While the allocation for the scheme for next year is to be finalised in due course in the context of the Estimates process, I am confident that sufficient funds will be made available to meet likely demand in 2011.

The Deputy should note that my Department continues to process applications received under the CSOP prior to its closure in May. To date in 2010, some €1.3m in grant support has been provided to 324 community groups for the provision of items of safety and security equipment to more than 4,000 older people. Details of the grant support paid to community groups are available on my Department's website (www.pobail.ie).