James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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500. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development his plans to extend the carbon monoxide alarm pilot scheme as administered by an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38557/19]

Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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On 13^thof May last I announced an initiative to support the installation of carbon monoxide alarms in the homes of elderly, isolated and vulnerable people throughout rural Ireland. Alarms will be supplied through the organisation referred to by the Deputy, who will install them in people’s homes on a voluntary basis.

I have allocated €115,000 to support this initiative through the Dormant Accounts Fund which is administered by my Department. This funding complements the already established Community Smoke Alarm Scheme, so a suite of safety measures is available to those who otherwise might not be able to afford them.

It should be noted that the carbon monoxide alarms pilot programme anticipated the installation of 2,000 Carbon Monoxide alarms. However, I understand that savings secured through the procurement process will enable a significant number of additional alarms to be provided within the existing budget, and the scheme continues to remain open for further applications. There is therefore no need to extend the scheme at this time.