Máirín Quill
Ceist:31 Miss Quill asked the Minister for Health whether the recommendations of the 1986 report on Communications Networks and The Elderly were implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2729/96]
Written Answers. - Communications Technology for Elderly.
Michael McDowell
Ceist:43 Mr. M. McDowell asked the Minister for Health if the pilot scheme to assess the potential of radio and telephone based alarm systems to assist the elderly recommended in The Years Ahead - A Policy for the Elderly, 1988 was set up; if its findings were extended throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2738/96]
Limerick East): I propose to take Questions Nos. 31 and 43 together.
The 1986 report on Communications Networks and the Elderly was published to provide technical advice to the health boards on the potential of new communications technology to assist the dependent elderly. Its recommendations should be interpreted in that light.
The pilot scheme to assess the potential of radio and telephone based alarm systems recommended in The Years Ahead was implemented in the south inner city area of Dublin, subsequently evaluated and the results were very positive.
At this stage, each of the eight health boards have varying degrees of involvement in emergency communication systems for the elderly, either directly or by grant-aiding some voluntary organisations.
I will be arranging to supply details of the various communication systems to the Taskforce on Security for the Elderly which has been established by my colleague, the Minister for Social Welfare.