Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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488. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development his views on funding safety items, such as alarms, censor lights, carbon monoxide alarms and so on (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53237/17]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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My Department is responsible for the Seniors Alert Scheme which encourages community support for vulnerable older people in our communities through the provision of personal monitored alarms to enable them to live securely in their homes with confidence, independence and peace of mind.  Funding is available under the scheme towards the purchase by a registered community-based organisation of a personal alarm or pendant. 

Following a review, a new version of the scheme came into effect on 1 November 2017. A number of changes were introduced under the new scheme including the provision of free monitoring for the first year and a revision of the living alone requirements.

There are no proposals, at this stage, to include sensor lights, smoke or carbon monoxide alarms within the ambit of this scheme.  However, the matter will be kept under review. The issue of the installation of house alarms is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Justice and Equality under his remit of community crime prevention.