Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Government is committed to supporting older people to access timely, high-quality, person-centred and integrated care in the most appropriate setting and to support positive ageing across the life course. To this end, the Minister for Health and the Minister of State with responsibility for mental health and older people brought forward a proposal for the establishment of an independent commission on care for older people. The Government approved the proposal in October 2023 and in March of this year the Minister for Health and the Minister of State with responsibility for mental health and older people announced the appointment of the members of the commission. The commission will examine the health and social care services and supports for older people across the continuum of care and make recommendations on their strategic developments. This is the appropriate forum for considering engaging activities and positive health measures for older people.

The terms of reference for the commission provide for the establishment of a cross-departmental group under the auspices of the commission which will examine areas such as social welfare supports for older persons. My Department has committed to engaging in this cross-departmental group when it is established and will support the work of the commission as needed. I hope this clarifies the matter in some way.

I agree with Deputy Bruton that a lot of older people have much to contribute to our society and we should find ways to harness that expertise and experience. I am happy to work with the Deputy to progress this matter further and I will take on board any suggestions he may have. I have extended the age limit to ensure that people can continue to work until the age of 70, if they wish to. I have changed the State pension accordingly to give people that option. Those are the things we need to do to facilitate that.

See this speech in context