Joe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party)

The National Council on Ageing and Older People has published a report which alleges that some within the health and social services have attitudes towards older people which could only be described as shocking and essentially regard older people as a nuisance to be dealt with. I have objected in the past to the use of the disgusting term "bed blockers" to describe elderly people in the context of the health service. Perhaps the only related legislation is the medical practitioners Bill which will involve one set of persons who deal with older people. Is it not shameful that older people should be discarded in this way by any section of the public service? Does the Government intend to try to change this?

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