A GOVERNMENT task force to report on the security needs of the elderly has been appointed by the Minister for Social Welfare. Mr De Rossa said that it would report by the end of next month.
The Government, he added, was determined to do all in its power to improve the security, both financial and physical, of elderly people and particularly those who lived alone. "The vulnerability of this group has been underlined by the horrific attacks and murders of recent days and weeks.
Speaking during the Budget debate, Mr De Rossa urged all pensioners to take up the opportunity to avail of the tax relief available for the installation of burglar alarms. The task force was being set up to complement this initiative and urgently address the needs of those pensioners who were not in a position to avail of the tax incentive, because their incomes were below the exemption limits, he said.
It would be chaired by the director general of his Department, Mr Eddie O'Sullivan.