Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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243. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the serious concerns held by volunteers in local community groups regarding the proposed changes to the seniors alert scheme, in particular regarding the lack of consultation with those groups who have been administering this scheme, with such great effect up to now; his views on delaying the implementation to allow for more conclusive discussion regarding these changes with the grassroots volunteers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6480/15]

Ann Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Labour)
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My Department manages the seniors alert scheme which encourages community support for vulnerable older people in our communities by providing grant assistance towards the purchase and installation of personal monitored alarms to enable older persons, of limited means, to continue to live securely in their homes with confidence, independence and peace of mind. The scheme is administered by local community and voluntary groups with the support of my Department. My Department undertook to consider new approaches to the Seniors Alert Scheme in 2014 and arising from this, it was decided that the scheme be managed by Pobal, given that organisation’s significant experience delivering programmes on behalf of Government.

Pobal’s management and administrative services for the Scheme includes an invitation to tender for the supply and installation of personal monitored alarms, which was publicly advertised on eTenders on 20 October 2014. The tender process, which is being led by Pobal, is almost complete. Following on from this, a panel of regional suppliers will be contracted to provide the equipment within specific regional areas. As the market for the equipment is well established, it was neither necessary nor appropriate to engage in consultations with the market on the matter prior to the tender process.

My Department has taken note of the concerns expressed. While Pobal will manage the Scheme on behalf of my Department, it is important to note that my Department will retain responsibility for the strategic policy direction of the Scheme. It will also have an oversight role in relation to Pobal’s delivery of the Scheme, and will ensure that the valuable community support for elderly persons provided by the many hundreds of community and voluntary groups across the country will be maintained.

The new arrangements will allow my Department to concentrate on developing and improving the Scheme. This will enhance the outcome for both beneficiaries and community groups.