Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 222: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the progress in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to introduce a community led pilot scheme to counter the social isolation of the elderly in rural Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18340/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The scheme referred to by the Deputy would not fall under the direct remit of my Department. However, the National Development Plan which gives effect to many of the commitments contained in 'Towards 2016' recognised older people as one of the main groups at risk from social exclusion.

The supports for minimising social exclusion among older people relates to a wide range of measures in the National Development Plan, including for example the Social Inclusion, Social Infrastructure and Human Capital Chapters. The key initiatives insofar as my Department is concerned relates to the Living at Home Sub Programme which provides for some €4.7 billion investment over the period of the Plan. In this regard, the recent Budget provided €22 million for a range of expanded community-based services this year including Home Care Packages, Home Helps and Respite Care.

I have referred the Deputy's question to the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Health Service Executive to reply directly to the Deputy with the current position in relation to these measures.

The recently established Office for Older People intends to progress the Strategy on Positive Ageing and would be prepared to assist in whatever way appropriate on issues relating to combating social isolation.