Govt Forced Into A U-Turn On Cut To Senior Alert Scheme

Fianna Fáil Environment Spokesperson Barry Cowen has said it will come as a relief to older people across the country that the Government has been forced into a u-turn on the 'incredibly cruel' cut to the Senior Alert Scheme.

Deputy Cowen said: "This is an admission by the Government that they made a mistake in slashing funding for a scheme that has helped tens of thousands of older people over the years.

"I very much welcome the fact that Minister Phil Hogan has caved into public and political pressure on this matter. This was an incredibly cruel and potentially dangerous cut, particularly in the context of the Government’s slash and burn of community garda resources and the increase in burglaries and thefts in many parts of the country. It would have been completely wrong to take security supports from older people who are already feeling more vulnerable than ever in their homes.

"It comes as a relief that Minister Hogan has heeded advice on this matter. I hope this marks a change in the Minister’s approach and signals a willingness from him to listen and communicate with people on matters of public concern."

(CD/GK)