National Association for the Promotion

Muintir na Tíre Community Alert programme welcomes reversal of cuts in funding for Socially Monitored Pendant Alarms

John Hogan National President of Muintir na Tire speaking earlier today has warmly welcomed the reversal of the cut in funding for what are lifesavers for older and vulnerable members of Communities. Muintir na Tíre met with the Minister Mr. Phil Hogan on Saturday and discussed the reversal of the cuts with him. Muintir na Tíre is aware through the work of its Community Alert programme that the Pendant Alarms are a source of invaluable aid to the Older Person but in addition through their use by the Older Person in time of need whether it be Health, Crime or Social use that these units contribute immensely to a reduced burden on the emergency services. Mr. Hogan also requests that each community group who has been a recipient of funding for the Seniors Alert programme examine the current position with the allocation of Alarms in their own community and arrange to recover alarms which are no longer being used and re allocate them to eligible persons in their own or neighbouring communities.

Muintir na Tíre through its Community Alert programme acknowledges the fear that exists among Older People and the Vulnerable in Rural Ireland today. We are daily reading of incidents of crimes committed against Older and Vulnerable people. The provision of Pendant Alarms is just one aspect of the Community Alert programme. Muintir na Tire encourages Good Neighbourliness (Muintearas) and commitment to the well being and safety of all community members especially Older and Vulnerable persons. Muintir na Tíre’s ethos of “Muintearas” is delivered through its Community Alert programme “Muintearas” can simply mean doing a domestic chore for some older person, checking their windows and doors are secure, and ensuring their alarm system and smoke alarms are in working order. Ensure they have sufficient fuel for Heating. Or indeed giving them 5 minutes of your time just to have a chat. Communities should also be aware that they are the eyes and ears of An Garda Siochana and should be on the alert for suspicious vehicles and or persons in their communities and immediately report anything suspicious to An Garda Siochana. Community Alert is based on a philosophy of neighbourliness and the collective responsibility of the community for its members. It bases its work on regular visitation of the Older and the Vulnerable in our communities and liaising with An Garda Slochána and other agencies to improve the quality of life in their communities. . It is widely acknowledged that the best form of Crime Prevention is a Good Neighbour. If there is not a Community Alert Group in your Community you should now consider setting up such a group. Through Community Alert the core values of Muintir na Tire - neighbourliness, responsibility for the needs of others, community service - are used to raise community awareness and allay the perceived and real fears. The Community Alert programme is the best way to engage the community in Community Safety through Crime Reduction, Crime Prevention, Security Awareness, and general Community Care and reduce the fear of crime and isolation among community members particularly in rural areas.