Sir, The concern now being shown for the security of the elderly is long overdue. The recent spate of dreadful attacks only serves to highlight the vulnerability of our senior citizens. Those of us who work with or among the elderly know this threat has been, and indeed is, ever present.
I do not believe there is any need to establish a task force to look into the matter. Task forces seldom deliver much. There are many people working with the elderly who could give the Minister several ideas as to how their security could be improved. I will put forward just one.
Rather than offer lax relief on the cost of installing a burglar alarm to senior citizens of questionable benefit to those on limited incomes a telephone should be provided free of installation and rental charges to everyone in receipt of the old age pension (couples obviously counting as one). Connect them, again free of charge, into Telecom Eireann's Phone watch. This would provide them with an excellent alarm system.
The cost of doing this, however much, is a price we must pay to dispel the fear experienced by those who are most vulnerable in our community those who are most entitled to expect to be protected by the State. Yours, etc., PC, MCC, South Dublin County Council, Town Centre, Tallaght, Dublin 24.