Camillus Glynn (Fianna Fail)

Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire go dtí an Teach. This is an important Bill which reflects in practice the Government's interest in the elderly. As has been proven, elderly people are a core priority for the Government. It is one thing to talk and another to act but this Government does what it says. It is committed to developing a comprehensive range of services for older people and wants to ensure they can live in dignity and, where necessary, receive care at home. In so far as practicable, it is the objective of the Government to maintain older people in dignity and independence at home in accordance with their wishes. It also wants to restore independence at home to those older people who become ill or dependent. As the Minister for Finance, Deputy Cowen, pointed out in his Budget Statement yesterday, the Government is investing to improve the level and quality of services for older people.

Those with knowledge of care of the elderly will be aware that elderly people perform best in their own homes. Many people in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease become confused when moved to the unfamiliar surroundings of a new care setting. For this reason, it is vital they are cared for in their own homes, subject to the availability of appropriate supports.

People are living longer with the result that the number of those in what are considered older age categories is increasing. People aged 70 years are no longer considered to be very old, while those aged 80 years could be described as "getting there" and those who hit 90 years are a good bit up the road. Not too far from my home, a person aged more than 100 years still drives a car and enjoys a little shot of whiskey.