Communities:A nationwide anti-social isolation scheme, under which people would be trained and paid to visit lonely and isolated people in communities has been promised by the Progressive Democrats.
Minister of State for Finance Tom Parlon said the community-based scheme, to be called One- 2-One, would be established on a pilot basis in each county using local people and neighbours as a link for older people who were isolated geographically or socially.
Under the plan, people would be recruited to visit older neighbours on a weekly basis and provide them with companionship. The scheme would cost in the region of €1,250 a month for each person, including administration, training and wages.
There were a number of options through which the scheme could be administered, including distributing the funding through the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.
As well as employing people in their local community, a structure whereby elderly and isolated people could have regular social contact would be established, said Mr Parlon. The plan would be included in the Progressive Democrats 2007 election manifesto.
"People who might be recruited to do this work would include stay-at-home mothers or fathers who might have free time when their children are at school, or part-time carers who may be in a position to work limited hours outside the home."
Mr Parlon said social isolation was one of today's most pressing challenges. "Changing demographics and lifestyles mean that older people, particularly, are at much greater risk of social isolation."