Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal East, Labour)
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904. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if he will report on the operation of the seniors alert scheme which is processed through POBAL; if he has any proposals to disband or change this important scheme for older people; if he is aware that application forms are not available for collection; if he will give priority for the printing and availability of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26999/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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The Seniors Alert Scheme 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.

The current version of the scheme came into effect in September 2021 and, along with the provision of free monitoring for the first year and a revision of the living alone requirements, introduced a new key feature in the additional option of a digital alarm, for use with web-based connections.

Pobal administers the scheme on behalf of the Department, including approving applications and tendering for scheme equipment and services.

Applications for the scheme can be made through the numerous local community, voluntary and not-for-profit organisation registered with Pobal. Full details are available on Pobal’s website at: www.pobal.ie/programmes/seniors-alert-scheme-sas/.

Local community organisations are responsible for assisting people to sign up for the scheme in their locality by completing an online application form on their behalf, which is then submitted to Pobal. Once an application has been approved by Pobal, contracted service providers are contacted by the local community organisations to arrange for the installation of equipment for the approved participants and the contracted service providers will install the equipment.

Officials in my department continue to work with Pobal in the assessment of new and developing technologies as part of the ongoing review of the scheme. This ensures that emerging developments in the sector will be incorporated into the scheme going forward and will ensure the scheme meets the needs of participants for many years to come.