Ivor Callely (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)

Other areas that the group will consider include public transport, support to carers and financial incentives to encourage older people to continue working. It will also review the various schemes currently in operation. To date, the group has met on 22 occasions. Different Departments have made contributions to the group's work, including the Departments of Social and Family Affairs, Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Transport, Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Justice, Equality and Law Reform and Health and Children. Excellent and valuable contributions and submissions have also been made by a number of eminent groups. The group is reviewing submissions made to date and preparing a draft interim report incorporating a mission statement on the role of the group.

It is acknowledged that there is insufficient provision of public long-term care beds to cater for our growing elderly population with a resultant over reliance on the private nursing home sector.

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