Extra €400,000 for scheme to give personalised alarms to the elderly

An extra €400,000 has been made available for free personalised alarms for people over 65.

It's after applications to the Seniors Alert Scheme quadrupled last month.

Community Development Minister Michael Ring says he's made it easier to qualify for the scheme and he’s making a special Christmas request to families and friends.

“I make a call to family members, to friends and people who know elderly people living alone, that they would sign them up (to the scheme) for Christmas,” said Mr Ring.

“I have made the scheme easier if you’re over 65 years of age – you don’t have to be living alone now – but people are not computer literate.

“I’m calling on family and friends and realtives and neighbours to sign people up for the Seniors Alert Scheme.

“It would be the best Christmas present that you could give an elderly person this year.”