Paudge Connolly (Cavan-Monaghan, Independent)
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Question 76: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on a recent report (details supplied) which found that many older persons had been discriminated against in the health services in that upper age limits were applied for breast screening and certain treatments, there was a lack of referrals for some specialist services, certain staff had prejudicial attitudes towards older people and shortages of certain services were disproportionately affecting older people; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21728/05]

Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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I welcome the publication of the report of the National Council on Ageing and Older People, entitled "Perceptions of Ageism in Health and Social Services In Ireland". The report highlights the findings of research carried out in the ten former health boards during 2004, involving some 450 older people and 150 health and social services staff.

The study sought to investigate whether older Irish people experience ageism within health and social services and, if so, to ascertain the impact of this experience. Ageism refers to deeply rooted negative beliefs about older people and the ageing process, which may lead to age discrimination.

The Department is committed to promoting healthy ageing and to an age friendly society. The Department is also committed to ensuring that older people, who have contributed to the development of our society, are treated with dignity and respect when receiving health care services.

The Health Service Executive has statutory responsibility for the provision of health care services throughout the country and must ensure that all the services it provides are age friendly. The Department will be liaising with HSE in relation to the recommendations in the report.