Donegal Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

John Sheamais Ó Fearraigh calls on Elderly to Claim Security Allowance

Published: 25 March, 2009

John Sheamus O'Fearraigh

John Sheamus O'Fearraigh

John Sheamais Ó Fearraigh calls on Elderly to Claim Security Allowance

Senior citizens in the County are urged to claim Security Allowance of €750 to protect their homes, and feel more secure in their own homes. The Allowance is issued to OAPs under the Departments Socially monitored Alarms scheme through residents and community groups,

The call was made by Glenties area Sinn Fein Candidate in the forthcoming local elections, John Sheamais Ó Fearraigh, he went on to say that "economic downturns have seen rises in the crime rates in the county and our senior citizens who live in isolated areas and for those living alone will feel more secure in their homes when they avail of this scheme in these uncertain times.

John Sheamais said,

"Most of our citizens are unaware of their entitlements, and the fact that they can avail of up to €750 worth of personal security equipment or enhancements. The Socially monitored Alarms scheme is administered on behalf of the Department of Community Rural and Gaeltacht affairs by various community groups, including Area Development Committees, and Community Alert Committees. I would encourage our senior citizens who are interested in availing of this scheme to contact their local Muintir na Tire, Neighbourhood Watch, Community Alert, Active Retirement Association, Senior Citizens Organisation or any other group involved in the scheme in their local area. If you are unaware of who is responsible for administering this scheme they can contact the helpline on 071 918 6761.


John Sheamais concluded,

"Monies under this scheme is allocated for individual jobs, €300 for home alarm, €200 for security lighting and so on. The scheme is not means tested so any senior citizen can claim it and may go a long way to giving elderly people an increased sense of safety in their own homes and increased peace of mind. I would urge all those who qualify for this allowance to claim it now before the government cut or abolish this scheme too" ENDS