Caít Keane (Fine Gael)

I agree with the positive comments made about older people in society, especially that we owe them a huge debt. Society would not exist without older people, and showing respect to them is a must. I will put as questions the statements I had intended to make.

First, will the Minister of State make a statement on the training of undergraduates for nursing and gerontology? Following the submission of the review group findings, the Department and the Higher Education Authority are to lead any changes required in the delivery of the nursing and midwifery programme in the higher education system. Are contacts being made with the higher education facilities and the authority to ensure that programme is ready to proceed when that comes in?

Second, Nursing Home Ireland made a submission to the Department in January as part of the review of the nurse training process. It states there is insufficient exposure of nursing students to appropriate person-centred gerontology and limited exposure to private health care environments, especially private voluntary nursing homes. That is easy to arrange. It will not cost the earth, and we should not have to wait too long or wait for reviews or publications to try to get representation for voluntary private nursing homes en bloc.

Third, I welcome what the Minister of State said about the national positive ageing strategy but she said it will not be an operational plan. Will she explain what she means by that because we need to get processes into operation? We have had enough consultation, surveys and so on. The Minister of State might tell me what the plan will be when it is published.

Regarding the mental capacity Bill, I welcome the name change referred to by the Minister of State. There is a recommendation that clarity and availability of retirements for older people be made a priority. There is a pressing need for legislation to establish a clear right to community care versus an aspiration. There is a need for an audit of community care services. Some nursing homes have applied to HIQA. Persons aged more than 65 years of age will be taken but there is no flexibility for a person of 64 years of age. There are huge issues here. I have six or seven questions but as my time has expired, I will send them by e-mail to the Minister of State.