Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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245. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if there has been consultation with community councils, regarding proposed changes to the Senior Alert Scheme; if not, the reason; if he will endeavour to ensure proper consultation with all stakeholders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10754/15]

Ann Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Labour)
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Following the review of the Community Support for Older People (CSOP - the forerunner for the Seniors Alert Scheme) in 2009, which involved extensive consultation with all stakeholders, one of the key recommendations was that a centralised procurement process would simplify the scheme. By decreasing the level of administration for groups, this would allow them to spend more time on the key aim of the scheme, which is more and better interaction with older persons. The operational handover of the Seniors Alert Scheme between my Department and Pobal should be completed by mid-year. In the meantime, Community and Voluntary Groups wishing to participate and draw down grant support under the Seniors Alert Scheme should continue to apply to my Department in the usual way.

My Department has written to over 900 community and voluntary groups registered with the Scheme on several occasions to keep them apprised of developments. The most recent correspondence, which issued on 6 March 2015 , advised the groups that Pobal will be holding regional meetings over the coming period to assist the groups in the transition to the new arrangements. These sessions will give local groups an opportunity to engage with Pobal and to address any concerns they may have.