Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 230: To ask the Minister for Health and Children when the national positive aging strategy will be published; the Minister or Minister of State who will be dealing with these issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5892/11]

Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 231: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if he will have responsibility for issues raised by organisations involved with the elderly; if these matters will be dealt with by a Minister of State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5893/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 230 and 231 together.

I would like to reassure the Deputy that policy in relation to older people in Ireland is a priority for the Government. While policy in relation to the health services is a matter for me as Minister, positive, active, healthy aging 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 particularly in the context of the increasing numbers of older people in society. It is therefore a matter for every Minister to address issues relevant to older people and respond accordingly.

As the Deputy may be aware, the Programme for Government commits us to complete and implement the National Positive Aging Strategy. The Strategy will establish the strategic framework for future policies, programmes and services for older people in Ireland. It is envisaged that the National Positive Aging 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. The development of the Strategy is being assisted by a Cross-Departmental Group (CDG), comprised of officials from 11 Government Departments, the Central Statistics Office and An Garda Síochána, and is chaired by the Director of the Office for Older People. Work on preparing and developing the Strategy is continuing in my Department.

I would also like to assure the deputy that I consider it vital for me, as Minister, and for officials at my Department, to liaise and work closely with groups who represent and are involved with all citizens, including older citizens. Indeed, as part of the ongoing work to develop the National Positive Aging Strategy, a group comprising representatives of twelve national-level non-governmental organisations with an interest in older people's issues has been established under an independent chair. The purpose of this Group is to facilitate the exchange of information and views during the development of the Strategy between NGOs, their members and the Cross Departmental Group assisting in the development of the Strategy.