Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 January 2019
1018. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the amount of capital and current funding respectively, allocated to the seniors alert scheme in each of the years 2015 to 2018, in tabular form; the 2019 allocation; and the amount expended in each year to date. [54293/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is responsible for the Seniors Alerts Scheme which provides funding for personal monitored alarms for older people to enable them to live securely in their homes with confidence, independence and peace of mind. Following a review, I launched a new scheme which took effect on 1 November 2017. A media and information campaign was organised to support the launch. In addition to the provision of the alarm equipment, there were modifications to the qualifying conditions of the scheme, and the first year of monitoring is free to each new participant.
I am pleased to say that since the launch of the new Seniors Alert Scheme, the demand has been unprecedented. During 2017 over 12,600 applications were approved and more than 10,000 installations completed. During 2018, over 19,200 applications were approved, with 20,288 installations completed. With the huge increased demand for the scheme and the provision of one year free monitoring, expenditure in 2017 and 2018 exceeded the allocation available for the scheme. However, in both years savings were identified from other areas within my Department's allocation to ensure that all new applicants could be provided for. There is also provision under the Dormant Accounts Fund Action Plan 2018, which also covers 2019, for funding to meet the additional and exceptional demands of the Scheme.
As this is a demand led scheme, it is kept under continuous review by officials in my department to ensure adequate funding can be made available to meet the requirements of all qualifying applicants. I intend that this will also be the case during 2019.
|
Year |
Allocation €,000 |
Spend €,000 |
|
2015 |
2,350 |
1,540 |
|
2016 |
2,300 |
1,800 |
|
2017 |
2,300 |
2,683 |
|
2018 |
2,300 |
6,984 |
|
2019 |
2,300 |
