Michael Noonan (Limerick East, Fine Gael)
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Question 148: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the progress made in implementing the objectives of the National Positive Ageing Strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21289/09]

Áine Brady (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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The commitment to develop a National Positive Ageing Strategy is set out in the Programme for Government 2007-2012 and is a key objective of my Office. The Government Decision of 17 January 2008 establishing the Office for Older People stipulated that the Strategy would be prepared by a cross departmental group chaired by the Director of the Office. The Group has met on two occasions and comprises representatives of eleven Government Departments and the Central Statistics Office.

In preparation for the development of the Strategy, the National Council on Ageing and Older People commissioned a research study on National Strategies for Older People which was finalised in October last year. The staff of the National Council, which is being subsumed into the Department of Health and Children, will join the Office for Older People to support the preparation of the Strategy.

Since my appointment in April, I have met with a considerable number of older people's organisations and have sought their views on the Positive Ageing Strategy. Arrangements for the launch of consultations on the Strategy are at an advanced stage.