Geraldine Feeney (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Minister of State and commend him on his excellent contribution, which says much about the kind of person he is and the amount of hard work he invests in his brief. I do not say that lightly, because I have heard similar comments from nurses and doctors who hold the Minister of State in high esteem.

Senator Feighan concluded with a quote and I will commence by doing likewise. I do not know who originally uttered the words, "Those who drink the water should remember those who dug the well," but I rather like them. As the number of older people in Ireland rises, we should never forget the role they played in building the economy from which we benefit today. The Minister of State has recognised that contribution and is fully committed to improving their lot now that they have come to the autumn of their lives. He is determined to ensure that they enjoy their latter years.

From a health perspective, the cornerstone of policy is to keep older people living in their own homes for as long as possible. Research has shown that this is the preferred choice of older people. When researching this matter, I spoke with a person from the North Western Health Board who referred to the CHOICE programme. The latter offers a choice to older people to decide where and how they want to be cared for. The North Western Health Board runs this programme very successfully and increasing numbers of aged and elderly people in its area are staying at home. There are not concerned about nursing homes or subventions. All they want is to be left in peace and quiet in their homes, whether they are large, medium or small.