The Government has announced that it is to provide free telephone rental to thousands of elderly people in nursing homes.
Over 5,000 people are set to benefit from the move, which, according to the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Ms Coughlan, is designed to make it easier for them to keep in touch with friends and families.
The allowance, an extension of an existing scheme for all people aged 70 or over living in their own homes, will cost an additional €1.55 million this year.
"The introduction of this allowance to nursing home residents will provide many with a lifeline to the outside world," Ms Coughlan said today.
Residents of nursing homes aged 70 and over who do not already have their own telephone line in their nursing home and want to take up the scheme can apply for the allowance through their local social welfare office.
The allowance covers line rental and includes a contribution towards call costs.
Ms Coughlan said the telephone allowance was originally introduced to ensure that older people could call for help in an emergency.
"The focus of the scheme has now changed to encourage social contact and to prevent social exclusion," she added.
