Ó An Roinn Forbartha Tuaithe agus Pobail; Pobal
Foilsithe
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Teanga: Níl leagan Gaeilge den mhír seo ar fáil.
Minister Ring confirms new Senior Alerts scheme will be launched in the coming weeks.
In response to recent media comments in relation to the operation of the Senior Alerts scheme , Minister for Rural and Community Development Minister Michael Ring, TD, confirmed today (27 July 2017) that it is intended to launch a new iteration of the scheme later this year. The new scheme is currently the subject of a procurement process being carried out by POBAL on behalf of his Department.
The Senior Alerts scheme provides support for older and vulnerable people particularly for those living in isolated rural communities through the provision of personal alarms systems which are monitored on an ongoing basis with the support of local community groups. Since 2012, in excess of €9.8m has been spent on the scheme.
Acknowledging calls for measures to promote greater awareness of the scheme, the Minister stated:
“a recent independent study of the scheme recognised that it has made – and continues to make – a positive contribution to the security and well-being of many thousands of older people throughout the country. That being said, I have instructed my officials to examine how the new scheme can be better promoted so as to achieve greater levels of awareness among its target audience when it is launched”.
ENDS