Marie Louise O'Donnell (Independent)

I regret the people in the Visitors Gallery are leaving because the question I intend to ask is of great relevance to many of those visiting the Houses. The voices of older people must be included and heard. Older people must be listened to. They have something to tell us of which we might not be aware. They are informed by the lives they have lived, the depth and breadth of their experience and understanding, and the urgency of their age. They have something to tell us about the care they need and are entitled to as they age.

The first consultation of the Seanad Public Consultation Committee, which was initiated by the Taoiseach's 11 nominees and established and developed by the Seanad, related to the rights of older people. The findings of the committee's report on that matter, which was published in March, have yet to be debated. The committee made findings regarding the UN treaty, the mental capacity legislation, the entitlements of older people, the community care audit, the carer's allowance regime, the amendment of the Health Act 2007, the travel schemes and the issue of end-of-life care. Such issues need to be debated in the Seanad soon. As Senators, we made a promise to that effect to all relevant stakeholders in the rights of older people at a public hearing on the floor of the Seanad Chamber. I am calling on the Leader of the House to arrange a debate on the rights of older people as a matter of urgency. Such a debate is as urgent and profound as age and ageing.