More than 3,500 older people in County Galway have signed up for the Seniors Alert Scheme since it was first introduced in 2015, latest figures have shown.
This is a community-led scheme funded by my Department, the Department of Rural and Community Development, that gives people over 65 the opportunity to live securely in their homes, confident that help can be quickly at hand.
I am delighted that there has been a surge in people joining the scheme since we made a significant increase in spending on the initiative last year.
Senior citizens can get a monitored alarm installed in their homes along with a pendant that can be used to indicate an emergency or to ask for assistance.
I would urge everyone over 65 to consider the Seniors Alert Scheme as an option and I would encourage relatives, neighbours and friends to ensure that anyone who might be vulnerable or who could benefit from the scheme to register.
Personalised alarms and monitoring are provided free of charge by the Department of Rural and Community Development and monitoring is free for the first year. A modest charge is applied for ensuing years.
Further information can be obtained from Pobal, which administers the scheme, on 01-5117222 or visit www.pobal.ie .