Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

Yes, Mr. Haughey introduced it as Minister for Finance. It is highly valued by elderly people who avail of it to visit relatives and travel around the country. We can take those kinds of initiatives but, as Senator Henry said, that requires planning. There are many things people wish to do with their lives and the Government could consider holding regional training seminars to prepare people for activities in their old age, liaising with active retirement groups and so on. I have seen too many people who find it difficult to move from full employment to retirement.

I wish Senator White, the Minister of State and all who participate in promoting this initiative, well. We all hope to live to old age. It is a great blessing if one does and the more State support there is for it the better we will enjoy it and the better society will be.