546. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the senior alert scheme can be accessed retrospectively by a qualifying person who seeks to recoup the cost of a monitored alarm systems installation as he or she was not aware of the support available. [29784/14]

The Seniors Alert Scheme aims to encourage community support for vulnerable older people in our communities by providing grant assistance towards the purchase and installation of personal monitored alarms to enable older persons, of limited means, to continue to live securely in their homes with confidence, independence and peace of mind. The Scheme is administered by local community and voluntary groups with the support of my Department.

The terms and conditions of the Scheme include that applications should not be made for equipment already installed and no costs should be incurred without prior approval of my Department.