Donegal Deputy Charlie McConalogue has condemned ‘incredibly cruel’ cut to the Senior Alert Scheme, which provides safety and security equipment for older people in their homes.
Deputy McConalogue has questioned how the Government can justify slashing funding for the scheme by 55% as the burglary problem plaguing Donegal and other parts of the country continues to escalate.
“Has the Government absolutely no regard for older people who are feeling particularly vulnerable in their homes at this time?” asked Deputy McConalogue.
“First we have a Minister for Justice engaged in a slash and burn of our local garda resources, shutting down another 5 garda stations in Donegal this year and forcing cuts to garda numbers. And now we have an Environment Minister butchering a highly valuable scheme that enhances the security and safety of older people in their homes and provides them with a direct link to emergency services when they most need it.
“These senseless cuts are taking place at a time of increasing anxiety and fear over our escalating burglary problem here in Donegal and in many other parts of the country. Instead of addressing this problem, the Government has gone in other direction entirely and has pursued measures that undermine the safety of vulnerable elderly homeowners.
“This is a direct threat to the independence, safety and security of older people in Donegal. The Senior Alert Scheme helps to fund the purchase of monitored personal alarms, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, external security lights and internal emergency lights which are extremely important in the event of power cuts.
“Elderly couples will be hit hardest by these cuts. A spouse who is living with and caring for a dependent loved one will no longer qualify for the scheme, as they are not deemed to be living alone.
“This extremely short sighted, cruel and dangerous cut must be reversed immediately. I am calling on the Environment Minister to listen to reason and to recognise the serious impact that this will have on many older people.”
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