Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

The National Council on Ageing and Older People published a report today entitled Perceptions of Ageism in Health and Social Services. The research found that many older people are being fobbed off with the answers they receive from the health service to queries about available services.

The study also found the health service guilty of discriminating against older people in several areas. One public health nurse said that many general practitioners will not refer older people because they regard their complaints as part of the ageing process. One former health board would not take anyone over 65 years for stroke rehabilitation.

This situation cannot continue. We must have a debate on ageism and older people. It is apt to have it now and I call on the Leader to arrange that debate at the earliest possible opportunity.