Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It is relevant to the work both of us are doing. It is relevant to the Estimates discussion the Deputy Donohoe is having with the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Humphreys, but also with others because the work of different Ministers and Departments can have an impact on the quality of life, living standards and incomes of older people.

The issue of access to services is very important to the elderly also, as is the issue of the costs they face, whether those costs relate to nursing home care, home care or the purchase of goods and services in day-to-day life. All of these issues are taken into account in the decisions we make. We have certain provisions in our taxation system that are specific to people of an older age. Of course, those are examined in the work I do and, therefore, it comes down to our assessment of the impact of all the budget measures combined on different groups of people in society. Of course, they are not homogenous. The circumstances of older people are diverse. Some are better off and able to absorb the cost of living and the level of inflation that we have experienced, while others are very dependent on the fixed income they get from the State. That is why measures such as the fuel allowance and eligibility improvements that the Minister for Social Protection introduced following the negotiations we had last year are really welcome. The, Deputy Donohoe, and I have met a range of stakeholders in the lead-up to the budget, going back as far as the national economic dialogue, which I believe was held in June. In recent weeks, we have met stakeholders directly advocating on behalf of older people. Now we are at the point of negotiating with our colleagues in government. We have many decisions yet to make but the Deputy can be assured that looking after the welfare of older people will be front and centre in our minds when making them.