Seán Kyne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for the comprehensive response on behalf of the Minister of State, Deputy Mary Butler. I welcome the establishment of the commission on care of the older person and the appointment of Professor Alan Barrett. This is a welcome initiative that, hopefully, can lead to a new positive ageing strategy. As I said, this is a very important cohort. Growing older is not what it once was. Like any age group, the senior population has a diverse mix of people, with some married and some single, some with children and others without, some happy to stay working and some happy to retire, some in very good health and others less so and in need of care, and, as we discussed yesterday during Private Members’ business, some in old age who are continuing to care for their disabled adult children or for their husband or wife, and they have challenges as well.

I welcome the response and the fact this is very much on the agenda for the Government. I commend the Minister of State, Deputy Butler, on her endeavours in this regard.