McCarthy demands home support for older people across Northern Ireland

Alliance Chief Whip Kieran McCarthy MLA has demanded that a scheme to enhance security in the homes of older people be rolled-out across Northern Ireland. A 24-hour home support pilot scheme, which helps pensioners, was launched in Dungannon today by NIO Minister Maria Eagle.

Opposition MLA, Mr McCarthy, said: “The home support scheme to help increase security in older people’s houses must be made available across Northern Ireland.

“Currently the ‘Handy Van’ initiative operates in a number of places, but many parts of Strangford and other areas of Northern Ireland do not have the luxury of this service.

“Our older people deserve better protection, and this scheme helps provide it. The NIO and Executive must work to find the cash needed to roll-out the Home Support Service to all local older people.

“One billion pounds is wasted every year on segregation in Northern Ireland. Work must start urgently to stop this waste, and re-direct this cash to providing vital services like this one for older people.”

ENDS