Mr. Tony Killeen, Minister of State and Clare T.D. has welcomed the Government’s announcement of EUR33k grant aid to three community-based groups in County Clare.
The allocations to Caring for Carers Clare (EUR30,030), Tulla Senior Citizen Security Section (EUR3,198) and Ballyvaughan Community Alert (EUR400) will be used to help improve the security and social support of older individuals. The groups have been awarded the funding by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, under the scheme of Community Supports for Older People.
Minister Killeen said he was very aware of the hardships that that older people can face on a daily basis. He continued, “I welcome any initiatives that seek to improve confidence, security and comfort levels among older people in our society allowing them to continue to live independently.” The Junior Agriculture Minister added, “The security devices that older people may now benefit from under this scheme include smoke alarms, the once-off cost of installing socially monitored alarm systems, security lighting, and window locks, door locks and door chains designed to strengthen points of entry to dwellings.”
A further 37 organisations throughout the country were allocated grants this week bringing the total number of groups to benefit to date this year to 73 under the Scheme of Community Support for Older People. The scheme for Community Supports of Older People is administered by local community and voluntary groups and funded by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. Applications can be made throughout the year, thereby allowing applicants to benefit from the wide range of security aids available as the need arises.
A Judge struck out a two-month jail term imposed on former Clare GP Paschal Carmody yesterday after hearing that he snapped due to huge media pressure at the time he assaulted a summons server.
