Máire Hoctor (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)

I thank Members for their comments. A wide range of issues was raised in the debate, which I welcome. As many Members noted, the issue of awareness must be increased and expanded and I believe that while we have made good progress, there still is much to be done. Until relatively recently, elder abuse and the abuse, neglect or mistreatment of older people was not recognised as a problem, in common with other forms of abuse and maltreatment. The report of the Council of Europe study group on violence against elderly people in 1992 advises that a widespread lack of awareness, together with a slowness to accept its existence, was further exacerbated by the "veil of silence which too often surrounds this phenomenon". In the past 15 years of so, this has begun to change, in part because of the recognition and acceptance of other forms of abuse, such as child abuse and domestic violence, as social problems. Other factors also played a part, including studies on and reports of elder abuse in professional journals and by the media, developments in the provision of care as the number of older people has risen and the involvement of professional and advocacy groups with older people.

Thankfully, people are living much longer and healthier lives. While in ancient Greece, the average age of survival was 30, thankfully it has increased dramatically in recent times. It now is suggested that on average, a little girl born this year can look forward to living to the age of 100. Medical science has improved and this is a great tribute to all those who are engaged in medical research and who work and strive towards such findings. We also must act on such findings and must help people to develop the requisite quality of life for longer living.

Many issues were raised and I ask Members to put themselves in the shoes of older people. These people have worked hard all their lives and dedicated their lives to their families and the workplace. From my work with them and with people who work with older people I detect that they feel they are not needed so much when older years come upon them. Their families have grown up and they find themselves too often alone. Many find themselves in this situation but do not articulate it because it is difficult to do so. Those of us who need to know are aware that this can be the experience of the older person. In the aloneness and loneliness, the seeds of vulnerability are sown and elder abuse can thrive in that environment. The Opposition is critical today but we see the valuable reporting that occurred in one year, from 2007, when over 927 cases were reported, to double that figure the following year. It is important that the environment is created so that people feel free to report what they see and detect as symptoms of elder abuse. That takes many forms — physical, psychological, emotional and verbal. I welcome the research on this area.

No one referred to the unidentified people who arrive at the door of the older person and offer to clean the shoots, repair the roof and cut the tree for a certain cost. When the work is done, the cost trebles and the older person feels he or she cannot resist or take on the dishonest individuals. Instances of this are reported across the country and the Garda Síochána does its best to track down the offenders. It is a real example of elder abuse. It has occurred through the years but people did not have the vocabulary to articulate it. At least we have uncovered it. We must uncover the silence where older people feel too vulnerable to report abuse because it will damage the relationship with the daughter or son who has the PIN of the ATM card. The son or daughter may use it without consulting the older person. We could elaborate on other instances today.

Good points were raised by colleagues. Senator Twomey referred to Leas Cross, St. Mary's Hospital, Phoenix Park, the institution in south Tipperary and the hospital in Clonmel. He referred to abuse taking place in institutions. The review undertaken by the elder abuse national implementation group does not cover elder abuse in institutions but that will be the next step. There is a procedure for staff members who are suspicious of alleged elder abuse of a person in an institution. Those steps are clear and the procedure must be followed to the end. The accused has the right of appeal. Instances of this, where an investigation has taken place and an outcome has been reached, have been overseen by me. I am pleased that the procedure is in place.

The commission of inquiry established to report on Leas Cross will report in May 2009. The Garda Síochána is following up on criminal matters and should Senator Twomey need further information on this I am happy to provide it.

Senator Mullen referred to financial abuse. Towards the end of 2007 round table discussions took place with the financial institutions. We identified that elder abuse includes financial abuse, where families access accounts belonging to older family members, who may not be aware of it or feel so vulnerable that they cannot take on the family member accessing funds. That is the next step of our work on elder abuse. It is a major challenge and I hope the financial institutions will work with us and those who work with older people to tackle the issue. We do not have a clear measure on it at the moment. Many non-health issues must be progressed.

Senator Mullen referred to the euthanasia debate in UCC. I support him in his deliberations. I respect the ethics forum and freedom of speech when sensitive and difficult issues must be addressed. However, the title used by those who organised the debate, "Why Euthanasia Should Be Legalised", leaves much to be desired. It was insensitive, if not distasteful. It flies in the face of Government policy for older people. We want to enable people to live as long as possible in their homes, with independent lives full of quality experience. This has no place in our policy. Professor Len Doyal and those who organised the debate do not define the policy and laws of this country. That is done by the Members of these Houses. Euthanasia is illegal and has no place in our medical ethics debates. People in Cork University Hospital and the HSE do not devise policy, the Members of these Houses do.

The suspension of older people schemes is regrettable. The Minister of State at the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Deputy Curran, made that difficult announcement this morning. It was suspended rather than abolished and, when funds are available, it will be reintroduced. I will not be found wanting in seeking the restoration of the fund. I know the benefits of this fund as enjoyed by older people.

We acknowledge that much work remains to be done in the area of abuse. We have made progress on it. The new procedure for dealing with elder abuse is only one component of the challenging work programme set by the Government. A review of the existing service will not only identify gaps but examine types of abuse not covered in the original report. This is a challenging time and I am pleased to be part of the changing environment. I have emphasised to the Taoiseach the need for the office for older people to continue its work.