Teresa Costello (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the debate and support the motion. We can build on the positive steps taken by the Government in the previous term, particularly in focusing on the needs and care of older people.

This is a subject close to my heart. Care and respect for older people are things that truly drive me as a politician. Some of my dearest friends in recent years have been my elderly constituents and their experiences have shaped my perspective. For far too long, the needs of older people in our society were not given the proper focus they deserved. The years pass quickly and sooner than we realise we will either be the beneficiaries or the victims of decisions made regarding our ageing population.

I also feel strongly about how the shift of vital services such as banking and Revenue to predominantly online platforms has left many independent, capable older people prematurely dependent on others. These individuals are now forced to rely on others for tasks they could once handle themselves in person. This is an issue I am deeply passionate about. We need to provide more in-person options for those who prefer or require them. That said, I acknowledge that, during the previous Government term, important steps were made in the right direction to address the needs of older people. I was pleased to see a focus on this issue and hope to see the momentum continue.

I will take a moment to compliment healthy age friendly homes co-ordinators in South Dublin County Council. What started as a pilot scheme a few years ago has now become an initiative that I wholeheartedly support. Many of my elderly constituents have benefited from this scheme. I can honestly say it has been one of the most successful initiatives I have witnessed since being elected. The service provides valuable advice and support. I highly recommend that anyone over the age of 66 take advantage of a session with one of the co-ordinators. I will happily refer anyone their way.

Another initiative I am proud to highlight is the age friendly housing scheme. Watching these developments populate my constituency has been a great experience. These homes enable people to live comfortably and independently in their communities. In Tallaght, for example, we have several of these successful developments, namely, Maplewood, Fernwood, Old Bawn and Sean Walsh Park, all of which have enriched the surrounding communities.

On housing, when building new homes, adequate consideration must be given at design stage to ensure that, structurally, homes being built will be suitable for people as they age and their needs change. Our population is living longer.

The care and repair service is another excellent initiative and one I would like to see expanded. I had the opportunity to spend a day with a care and repair team and I was impressed by the genuine care they showed in completing small tasks which, left undone, can cause stress to older people. This service is another that I often recommend to my constituents.

In terms of dementia care, I welcome the call for increased funding and supports, particularly for carers. Access to day care centres is often a lifeline for carers who may be looking after someone requiring 24-hour care and who frequently experience poor sleep patterns. The journey for carers can be isolating, tiring and lonely. We need to ensure they receive the support they need as well.

I will address an issue regarding patients with dementia or Alzheimer's disease when they present at accident and emergency departments.They should be seen and treated without delay. Long waits in accident and emergency services are difficult for anyone, but for dementia patients and their carers they can be an agonising and distressing experience. This needs urgent attention. It can be difficult - I know from personal experience - to contain a dementia patient while waiting in a cubicle in a busy emergency department. It is traumatising. I could speak on this motion for hours, but I will conclude by saying I wholeheartedly support it and look forward to seeing further improvements in the provision of services for older people.