Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 502: To ask the Minister for Health the status of the national positive ageing strategy; the status of an implementation plan for this strategy; the discussions and meetings he and his Department have had with other Departments to ensure a whole of government approach to this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32870/11]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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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 full lives.

However important health and social care issues are in later life, quality of life in later life, as at any stage of the lifecycle, has many other determinants such as income, housing and the built environment, transport, education and lifelong learning, employment and retirement and opportunities for participation and contribution to social and civic life.

In recognition that a wide range of policies, programmes and services impact directly on the lives of older people, 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.

It is not the intention that the Strategy will propose new service developments, rather it will set the strategic direction for future policies, programmes and services for older people in Ireland.

The Strategy will require a consideration of the inter-related nature of many of the actions needed to enable older people to age positively in Ireland. This means that no single Department or agency can be expected to deliver the Strategy alone. In addition, in the short term, when implementation will require a reconfiguration of existing programmes and services, collaboration between Departments will be important.

The Strategy will set out a common framework for the development of operational plans by Government Departments. These operational plans will clearly set out each Department's objectives relating to older people. Mechanisms designed to monitor the implementation of measures contained in operational plans will also be developed in consultation with Departments.

Work on developing the Strategy is on-going and taking place within the constraints posed by the present fiscal situation. This work will not be concluded before the end of the year.

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 503: To ask the Minister for Health the details of the home care package scheme; the number of home help hours available under this scheme; the number of persons employed to deliver these home care packages; if he will provide a breakdown of these home help hours by county; the criteria for availing of home help and care packages; the efforts being undertaken by him to ensure that the eligibility criteria for home help is applied consistently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32872/11]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.