Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 271: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the mechanism that will be put in place to coordinate policy in relation to older persons. [5208/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I would like to reassure the Deputy that policy in relation to older persons is a priority for the Government. As positive, active, healthy ageing must not be considered to be solely a health issue, it is a matter for every Minister to consider the wide range of issues which directly impact on the lives of older people and on the ageing process. While policy in relation to the health services is a matter for me as Minister, I would also like to remind the Deputy that I intend to complete the National Positive Ageing Strategy which will establish the strategic framework for future policies, programmes and services for older people in Ireland. It is envisaged that the National Positive Ageing Strategy will set out a common framework for the development of operational plans by Government Departments clearly setting out their objectives relating to older people, as well as the development of ongoing mechanisms designed to monitor progress and identify challenges facing older people in the future.