Mary White (Fianna Fail)

In 2006, as many of my colleagues will know, I produced a policy document, A New Approach to Ageing and Ageism, in which I made 28 recommendations. We have a long way to go before we get all these recommendations implemented. There are one million people over the age of 60 living on the island of Ireland. I do not think anyone could have missed the fact that this week was positive ageing week. I am pleased that the topic of older people has been given more attention.

There are three areas of concern with regard to ageing. It is unjust and a denial of the human rights of Irish people who want to stay in work after the age of 65 in the private and public sectors that they cannot do so. A person should have a choice to stay in his or her job if he or she wishes. There is discrimination in the health service. A woman between the ages of 50 and 64 is given a free breast cancer screening whereas there is no free breast cancer screening after the age of 64 even though a woman is seven times more likely to develop breast cancer after that age. International travel for people over the age of 65 is three times more expensive than for people under that age. These are issues to do with the human rights of older people.

Will the Minister for Health and Children come to the House to explain why she has not increased the availability of breast cancer screening? I have made this request to her on numerous occasions, including at a meeting of the Joint Committee on Health and Children.

I draw attention to the fact that when a person reaches 70 years of age, he or she is required to be medically certified as fit to drive. How dare they make this a requirement. The rules for older drivers need to be overhauled. People may not wish to go to their GP for a certificate. If people in rural areas are not free to drive and get around to meet people and go shopping, they may be at risk of being isolated which can lead to sickness and depression. I thank the Cathaoirleach for being lenient with the time I have taken to speak about positive ageing week.