Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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227. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which he expects to be in a position to support security or senior alert schemes to facilitate persons living in isolated areas throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26177/18]

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. I am pleased to advise the Deputy that the revised scheme has been a resounding success with unprecedented levels of demand for the new package. During 2017, spend on the Scheme amounted to €2.7m, with over 12,700 applications approved and more than 10,000 installations completed. To the end of May 2018, over 9,200 applications were approved, with almost 10,000 installations completed.

The issue of crime prevention and security is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Justice and Equality.