Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

229. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if he will liaise with the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment to resolve reliability issues which exist in the national landline telephone network (details supplied) across rural areas in view of the fact that issues are causing difficulties for older rural residents who are reliant on this service to operate a panic alarm system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18283/18]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The objective of the Seniors Alert Scheme is to encourage support for vulnerable older people in our communities through the provision of personal monitored alarms to enable them to continue 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 equipment, i.e. a personal alarm and/or pendant.

I launched a revised Seniors Alert scheme last year. The main features of the revised scheme centred around the introduction of a 1 year free monitoring charge, increased administration payments to  community groups administering the scheme as well as changes in the self declaration requirements.

There are no immediate plans to review or alter the current scheme.

Issues in relation to the national landline network are a matter for my colleague the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment.