Seán Fleming (Laois, Fianna Fail)
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327. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the position regarding funding for house alarms and grants payable to persons in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29648/18]

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. 

The issue of the introduction of funding for the installation of house alarms is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Justice and Equality under his remit of community crime prevention.