Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 237: To ask the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs the terms under which he will make available supports for home security to older persons and if any changes in these supports are envisaged in the four year budgetary plan. [44607/10]

Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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My Department administers the Seniors Alert Scheme, which provides funding to local community and voluntary organisations to install personal monitored alarms, monitored smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, external security lights and internal emergency lighting to enable older persons live independently and with peace of mind.

Eligible persons are identified through their local community organisation and an application is made on their behalf. The older person must be 65 years or older, living alone or with other eligible persons and of limited means or resources.

As the Deputy is aware, all Departments are currently involved in a detailed budgetary estimates process for 2011. At this stage, I cannot set out precise levels of funding for specific schemes into the future. However, I can assure the Deputy that I will be endeavouring to make the best possible use of the resources available and supporting front-line services to the greatest extent feasible.