Martin Conway (Fine Gael)

I have one other issue to raise. I support Senator Whelan's call for a debate on older people. We have seen during the years how successful the Council for the Status of Women and the Council for the Status of People with Disabilities have been; what we need is a council for the status of older people, as the population will age significantly in the coming years. That is a good development because it shows people are living longer and are healthier, and, because of advances in medication, something that needs to be embraced. However, we need to provide services within communities and their homes to ensure they will have the quality of life they deserve. The Government should, therefore, examine the possibility of setting up a council for the status of older people.