A £6.5 million security package to give the elderly greater protection from robberies and attacks has been announced by the Minister for Social Welfare, Mr De Rossa.
The Minister said the measures had been recommended by the Task Force on Security for the Elderly, established in January. Elderly people were most at risk during the winter months, and there was an opportunity between now and next winter to make significant progress in the areas identified by the task force.
In addition to measures already announced in the Budget, the total being spent on improved security for elderly people is £8 million.
The measures include the extension of Budget relief to relatives who install security systems in the homes of elderly people; £2 million being made available to voluntary groups to support the installation of security equipment; the encouragement by FAS of local schemes that will enhance security; Telecom is to provide a substantial reduction in the cost of installing telephones in the homes of elderly people.
The package also includes a joint initiative by the Departments of Justice and Social Welfare to make information available to old people on how toe improve personal security.
Local authorities are to be encouraged to erect Neighbourhood Watch and Community Alert signs.
The Budget included provision for tax relief of up to £800 for people aged 65 and over to purchase alarm systems.
Mr De Rossa said the seemingly random nature "and the appalling level of violence involved, engendered widespread fear among elderly people."
The task force's recommendations focused on preventive measures, using and expanding existing initiatives which are known to work.
The president of Muintir na Tire, Mr Jim Quigley, welcomed the package.
Meanwhile, a number of organisations met the Minister for Justice, Mrs Owen, yesterday to discuss crime in rural areas. Among them were the ICMSA president, Mr Frank Allen; the president of the GAA, Mr Jack Boothman; and the ICA president, Ms Bridin Twist.