Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Norris is unique in everything. I would not categorise him as a specimen of universality. The LGBTIreland survey revealed an interesting statistic. Some 40% of older LGBT people were not out to their primary care physicians or healthcare providers. Some 14% of calls to the LGBT helpline were from older people and 77% were from rural areas. Those figures paint a picture. A great deal of work is being done. Men's sheds were mentioned and we think of different community activities and groups. Senator Boyhan spoke about the availability of public libraries. In my area in Cork we have tremendous community facilities available and we have groups for older men and women. For example, the Cork Gay Project runs coffee mornings for those aged 55 and older. I am almost in that category myself. That is a wonderful and innovative idea to bring people together.

We must build on what Senator Swanick has recommended with regard to actions across Government Departments and organisations and putting in place initiatives and supports. We have to address fundamental challenges for the future, including the issue of housing. Every week, I meet older people who want to downsize but cannot do so, as I am sure the Minister of State does as he travels the country. He will see it particularly in west Cork, as will his colleague, Senator Lombard. Whether they live in public housing or private housing, the option to downsize is not available to these people. We need to address that issue in our discourse on public policy.

The Minister of State has done an awful lot in the short time he has been in his post. I am not being patronising. He has done tremendous service. Senator Swanick has done likewise in his role. We can build on this report. Let it be the foundation on which we build the house, and we can then attach the roof. I thank the Minister of State for being here and Senator Swanick for the great work he is doing. This conversation is important. The young people in Mount Mercy College can talk to the Minister of State about their experience with meals on wheels, the Cope Foundation, and ALONE in what is, if I may say so, a relatively affluent area of the city of Cork. It is not about money or wealth. It transcends demographics and age groups. I hope we can continue with this. It is the beginning of an important journey.