Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Health if he intends to publish the Positive Ageing Strategy this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37111/12]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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The Programme for Government 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. The Strategy will set the strategic direction for future policies, programmes and services for older people in Ireland. It will set out a common framework for the development of operational plans by a number of Government Departments which 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 included in the Strategy. However, I do not envisage 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. A considerable amount of preparatory work has already been completed. The drafting of the Strategy will proceed within the Department within the constraints of available staff and other priorities. At this stage I envisage that a draft of the Strategy will be brought to Government in Q4 2012.