Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 968: To ask the Minister for Health if he will, in the development of the national positive ageing strategy, clarify that persons have entitlement to certain essential home and community care supports. [23820/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The Programme for Government published in March 2011 has committed to completing and implementing the National Positive Ageing Strategy so that older people are recognised, supported and enabled to live independent and full lives. It is being developed within the constraints posed by the present fiscal situation.

It is not the intention that it will propose new service developments; rather it will set the direction for future policies, programmes and services for older people in Ireland. It is envisaged that the 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 on-going mechanisms designed to monitor progress and identify challenges facing older people in the future. The Government is embarking on a major reform programme for the health system. The aim of this reform is to deliver a single-tier health service that will deliver equal access to care based on need, not income. This will be achieved by introducing a new universal health insurance system.

Universal health insurance will guarantee that every citizen has equal access to a comprehensive range of curative services, including both primary and hospital care.

The question of entitlement to specific services, including those proposed by the Deputy, and the implementation of the National Positive Ageing Strategy, can only be considered in the context of these wider reforms.