Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I apologise to Mr. Dunne for disrupting his presentation but unfortunately that is the nature of the beast.

The ageing population does not get the same credence as young children, and they are neglected. Loneliness is a big issue. Dr. Browne referred to transport, for example, and social isolation and combatting that. What other initiatives would he suggest?

It is not achievable to mandate powers of attorney and Ms Rickard-Clarke will be aware of this given her legal background. Would a more prevalent use of these help in terms of knowing the wishes of the elder person if something goes awry or he or she suffers ill-health in respect of their accommodation? What are Dr. Browne's views on retirement villages in general? We do not have such villages in a private capacity in Ireland but they are prevalent in the US. Might they help as another option for elderly people as distinct from their own homes or nursing homes?