James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am glad the Minister referred to the fact that Prime Minister May has appointed a Minister for loneliness. It is reflective of the epidemic of loneliness across the western world due to the fact that there is no longer physical connectedness. People are too busy. That is not necessarily their fault. Many of the traditional means whereby individuals stayed connected have changed. Party meetings in rural areas would have been packed years ago, but that is not longer the case. This is reflected in other areas of society. People no longer become involved with organisations. We need to find ways to encourage them to get involved and reach out to others. Older people in particular find themselves very isolated because they are not as experienced with the modern pace of life and technology as others. I encourage the Minister to act. As I said, my question is not to criticise but rather to challenge. Perhaps the Minister is in an ideal position to address these core issues.

See this speech in context