Fund for panic alarm phone costs to be considered

The elderly may be granted a special security allowance to pay for telephone costs linked to panic alarms following concerns raised about cuts in the budget.

Finance Minister Michael Noonan told TDs in a private Fine Gael parliamentary party meeting last night that the Department of Environment would look at a special fund following the abolition of the phone allowance.

His comments came after Longford Westmeath TD James Bannon raised the matter voicing concerns for the safety of the elderly in rural areas.

Party members confirmed Mr Noonan said a type of security fund to cover the cost of the phone for the panic alarm would be looked at.

The phone allowance is worth €114 per annum to almost 400,000 recipients, mostly pensioners, but will be scrapped on Jan 1.

Holding a question and answer sessions with TDs and senators, Mr Noonan also clarified issues around the home renovation grant as well as pension queries.

Health Minister Dr James Reilly also faced questions from TDs and senators yesterday about concerns over thresholds for medical card holders.

A senior party source said: “It’s the inconsistency in the issuing of cards, the vague guidelines of the HSE. There’s a lack of clarity. He said he would speak to the HSE about it.”

Dr Reilly also told party members that the review he has ordered into reviewing the medical card system was not a campaign to remove them but to clarify which should and should not be in the system, sources said.

Labour sources last night said members were satisfied with the budget, particularly the under five free GP care.

Some TDs privately admit the party has reneged on promises to protect welfare payments — with cuts to the dole for the young — but that the budget was less painful than others.