The Telecare system, that allows elderly and disabled people to call for assistance when in need, will be expanded, Parliamentary Secretary for Elderly Care Franco Mercieca said.

He said that further details will be announced over the next few weeks. Mr Mercieca was speaking during a conference for pensioners organised by the General Workers' Union as part of a series of activities to mark its 70th anniversary.

Several elderly people there raised the issue of security and said they did not always feel safe at home.

Mr Mercieca said that Government was committed to tackle this and he would soon be announcing "something that enhances security at home... and builds on the concept of the Telecare system".

The Telecare system allows people to call for assistance when required and is currently operated by Go. It reaches about 9,000 people, a spokesman said.

Mr Mercieca said that he will be launching the 10-year stategy for the elderly in mid-October. This will aim to ensure that elderly people remain involved in society, continue working and remain independent.

The strategy will include various recommendations such as the setting up a section for the elderly within the Employment and Training Corporation and introducing tax incentives when employing an elderly person.

These recommendations would be discussed with employers.