Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I am very much aware of aware of the excellent contribution that voluntary organisations continue to make across the country.

I understand that Active Retirement Ireland (ARI) is a national network of more than 400 local Active Retirement Associations with more than 20,000 members. ARI works at a national level to promote older people as independent, self-organised and active members of their communities; act as a voice for older people; promote positive ageing attitudes in Ireland, and to provide training, support and information to the local active retirement groups.

The organisation is structured regionally through 9 regions whose role is to bring the local groups together for information, training, seminars and activities and can be contacted at info@activeirl.ie or on 01-8733836. Detailed information is available on the organisations website at www.activeirl.ie.

These community based groups are generally voluntary in nature and while some funding may be provided by the Department through the HSE to individual groups at a local level the information on their profile is not collated in the way referred to by the Deputy.

I and the Department recognise and value the role active retirement groups can have in keeping older people active and well. These provide an outlet for many older people who may not have the type of needs that would be met through our health and social care services, but who otherwise feel isolated or lonely.