Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Green Party)

That is true. They must pay one way or the other and society must pay as a result. If an elderly person is not able to interact with society, that person is more likely to end up in a nursing home. The majority of people over the age of 60 are active and independent. Any financial incentive to encourage people to be active should be followed. Some people will end up in nursing homes and some will need medical assistance, but let us ensure that such assistance is given gratis to people because of the contribution they have made in the past. That is the least they deserve.

Older people also make a contribution through part-time work, community employment schemes, voluntarism and even by getting back to work. I know of one individual who worked for 40 years, retired for four years and is now back in full-time work. He enjoys it and is making a very positive contribution. Older people have a huge contribution to make but they are not being valued sufficiently. I would like the Minister to take that on board and to change the system. If the Government will not allow for the proper subsidised treatment of elderly people in nursing homes, then it should at least invest money to create incentives for older people to get involved in activities such as adult education and physical activity. Many people feel isolated and they sometimes do not know what is available, so more money needs to be spent on advertising and creating incentives. If a small amount of money is put forward in these areas, it will save the taxpayer in the long run. Even in Progressive Democrats speak, that makes sound economic sense.

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