Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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342. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which she and her Department can further enhance the extent to which persons living in isolation in either urban or rural communities can be supported by various means such as electronic devices to assist them in the event of attack with particular reference to the possible extension of the existing alarm system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8988/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, 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, 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. Eligibility for 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 which is the additional option of a digital alarm, for use with web based connections.

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