Camillus Glynn (Fianna Fail)

I am proud to have moved this motion, which is indicative of the Government's commitment to services for the elderly. As I said in my opening remarks, older people have been the architects of this society and it is only right that proper services are provided for them.

There are many facets to the budget and a range of proposals were outlined in this debate by the Minister of State. I concur with Senator Lydon that further consideration should be given to the issue of experienced people from all walks of life who have a job one day but lose it the next. A certain degree of flexibility should be permitted with regard to retirement because they do not become lesser people simply by turning 65. There have been many examples of brain drains in Ireland, such as the one from the public to the private sector. Where a person is physically and mentally fit, a case could and should be made for him or her to continue. Time will be required to roll out all the provisions set out in this document.

There are many different models of care for the elderly. Some years ago, I encountered an excellent example in London when I visited my sister's mother-in-law. It included a flat, a resident caretaker and a selected group of people who kept an eye on the elderly citizens. I understand a similar model exists in Ireland but, if that is not the case, the example in London deserves investigation.

Regardless of the type of medical or nursing discipline, community service is better than hospital care. However, it is also a more expensive service. I have read a number of reports by the Inspector of Mental Hospitals and Places of Detention on the elderly in long-stay institutions and the word "visit" does not take pride of place in terms of the number of visits residents of institutions receive from relatives. Of course, plenty of relatives came out of the woodwork when a few pounds were made available. On the other hand, I know a number of people who make efforts to visit their relatives and I commend members of voluntary organisations such as the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. If it was not for them, residents would never see any face other than those of ward staff. I commend the motion to the House and hope it receives unanimous support.