Marie Moloney (Labour)

Another area I believe is vital in supporting older people is education. Informing the elderly of their entitlements is very important as many do not know their entitlements. This is highlighted in the national positive ageing strategy, and rightly so. Many older people would benefit from basic computer classes and, in many cases, classes in the use of mobile phones and texting. In a world which is increasingly technological and digital, and where a password or PIN is required to undertake even the most basic transaction, taking the fear away from this would be greatly beneficial and, perhaps for many, life enhancing. These types of courses could be given in a local setting, such as community centres, resource centres, active retirement meetings or day care centres, at very little cost.

Clarity of available entitlements for older people is a must and I am glad this is picked up in the Seanad report on the rights of older persons. It is crucial that older people have access to this type of information and are fully aware of their entitlements.

Access to rural transport is a necessity, especially for elderly people living in the countryside. As the Minister of State said, the recommendation of the taxi voucher is likely not to go ahead so the service is even more valuable as it provides an outlet for people, is inclusive socially and lessens the risk of people feeling excluded and depressed. It has the knock-on effect of lessening the risk of suicide. Social isolation is a huge contributing factor in suicide, particularly in rural Ireland, and funding for the scheme must be maintained as much as possible. Such transport schemes provide the only means that some people have of reaching their day care centre, pick up their pension, visit their GP or simply interact socially.

There are many measures that would help the elderly that incur little or no cost. For example, if people on jobseeker's allowance gave one day per month to their community. That is not too much to ask. A person could cut the grass and hedges, paint houses or chop some wood for the elderly. Organisations like youth clubs, the girl guides and boy scouts could undertake projects to help the elderly. We, as a society, must revert to the old tradition of dropping in on neighbours for a chat or a cup of tea, checking if a person needs something from a shop or just see if they are okay. We owe older people a decent standard of living and providing for their needs is a key priority for the Government. What is meant by the term "older people" is a matter of judgment. Growing old must be looked on positively and not shrouded in negativity. The national positive ageing strategy addresses important issues and it is up to us to implement its findings when published. It is the least we can do to help older people enjoy the quality of life they deserve.