John Minihan (Progressive Democrats)

I welcome the Minister of State to the House and the opportunity to speak on this subject.

Last Wednesday I said in this House that for 20 years the Progressive Democrats have determinedly pursued economic and social policies aimed at maintaining full employment, strengthening the competitive position of the economy, keeping taxes on labour low and, most importantly, focusing on the low-paid, elderly and the vulnerable. The budget reflected this approach clearly. On income tax, social welfare, pensions, child care and care of the elderly, there can be no doubt that the Government is delivering the right policies and on the commitments outlined in the programme for Government.

Last week's budget gave us the big picture account of how sensible economic policy has allowed us to provide for the most vulnerable. This evening's motion brings us down to a micro level, the specifics of our view that the fruits of economic prosperity must be used to provide and improve care for those who need it most, in this case the elderly.

The approach adopted by the last two Governments has rightly been to promote and support economic development and prosperity. It is not prosperity for its own sake; the more people are encouraged to work hard and prosper, the more revenue is generated for the vulnerable in society. The changes in social welfare and pensions included in the budget are evidence of the wisdom of the Government's approach.

The details of the wide-ranging new services for older people announced by the Tánaiste and the Minister of State on Thursday confirmed two things. We are pursuing the right policies and we are committed to delivering the best services. Of the measures announced in the budget many people, politicians and commentators alike, focused on the measures relating to the care of children. They said these were the most important aspects but I do not agree. I have worked closely on child care policy in recent years but the wide-ranging services for older people that have been announced are the most important development in last week's budget.

The Progressive Democrats have set out in successive policy documents and manifestos that care of older people is a basic social duty. We have worked on improving the quality of life of older citizens. This Government and the Progressive Democrats campaigned for and delivered on a €200 per week pension. The old age pension is now running at €193.30, up from €99 eight years ago and the Progressive Democrats will deliver, with our Fianna Fáil colleagues, by the end of the Government the target of the €200 per week pension.

On budget day I mentioned that we are concerned not just with ensuring the best quality of life for older people, we were also determined to deliver the most appropriate type of care. That often means allowing for care in the most appropriate setting. International research has shown that a person's life expectancy can be extended by up to two years if delivered in his or her own home. Policy is this area is not just about ensuring the best quality of life but can play a part in prolonging lives. That is why for me this initiative is the single most important announcement of last week. This is about delivering the same home and community-based support for older people that can prolong lives, ensure the most appropriate care in the most appropriate setting and improve their quality of life.

I congratulate the Tánaiste and the Minister of State for the initiative in this area. When it comes to policy makers, the Tánaiste has worked to deliver the best care for older people, has proven herself to be both the most determined and most effective in this area and I thank her for ensuring these measures were included in last week's budget.

Much is being made of the fact that this is the largest ever budget package for services for the elderly, involving €150 million. However, I do not want to get hung up on the superlatives. I am more interested in what this money can do. These millions of euro mean thousands of older people needing care will receive new services and supports in the next 12 months. It is the largest ever increase in funding for services for older people. This money will make a significant difference to thousands of people, their families and carers. It goes without saying that we will continue to support appropriate residential care. However, this investment package is focused on caring for people in their homes. As the Tánaiste has stated, that is where most of them want to be.

We are all aware of the growing independence of older people. We must respond to the desire of the many who wish to remain in their communities. The initiatives outlined in today's motion underline the Government's commitment to putting older people at the centre of health policy. This is to be commended. Furthermore, the initiatives pursued by the Tánaiste are in line with international trends. Older people deserve, as a right, to have these services delivered. They deserve to be listened to and consulted. Age Action Ireland has said:

One of the major announcements in this year's budget is the €150 million package for support services for older people to enable them live in their own home, one of the cornerstones of Age Action Ireland's policies. This move will greatly increase the number of home help hours available in the community and also extend existing services.

We listened day after day, inside the House and without, to Opposition claims that the Government neglects the vulnerable and protects various interests. The reality is that we take seriously our obligation to promote development and prosperity. The services prosperity can deliver in this area are almost too extensive to discuss. They include the following: some 3,000 home care packages, including the service of nurses, home care attendants, home help and various therapists; €30 million for home help in 2006, providing 1.7 million more hours of assistance; an additional 1,325 places in day and respite care centres; €9 million for additional programmes for specific needs such as activity therapy; €9 million for specialist palliative care, including home care and community initiatives; €12.5 million for meals on wheels services; the development of sheltered housing accommodation for older people; and €4 million for initiatives in primary and community care. One could go on. This is probably utterly depressing for the Opposition but it is utterly encouraging for the deserving older people of this State. I gladly second the motion.