Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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53. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she has considered expanding the senior alert scheme to other vulnerable cohorts in society such as those living alone with a disability; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8601/22]

Joe O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Green Party)
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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, an updated version of the scheme came into effect in November 2017. A number of changes were introduced at this time, including the provision of free monitoring for the first year and a revision of the living alone requirements. However, eligibility to the scheme remains confined to those aged 65 or older. 

The current version of the scheme came into effect in September 2021 and continues to incorporate these provisions, as well as introducing a new key feature in the additional option of a digital alarm, for use with web based connections.