State-aided charity probed over alarm scheme

A grant-aided charity is being investigated for competing with private firms in tendering for the installation of security alarms for the elderly.

Helplink South, a registered charity, received grants totalling €175,000 from government agencies last year, yet it competes on a like-for-like basis with up to nine private companies.

The Athlone-based organisation is one of the major operators in the security alarm for the elderly business, with a turnover that accounts for around 20% of the total market.