Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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750. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if his Department is collaborating with the HSE and voluntary organisations such as an organisation (details supplied) in developing integrated policies that address both the financial and social needs of older adults, particularly those at risk of isolation. [48364/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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As Minister for Social Protection, I recognise that the needs of many social welfare recipients including older people are multifaceted, in particular in relation to health, financial wellbeing and social inclusion.

As such, it is important that addressing these issues is done with a whole-of-Government approach.

As part of its work in overseeing the implementation of commitments set out in the Roadmap for Social Inclusion 2025-2030, the national strategy to reduce poverty and improve social inclusion, my Department engages with a number of Government Departments with responsibility across these areas.

This includes the Department of Health, which has oversight responsibility for the Health Service Executive, in relation to progress concerning the health needs of older people, as well as addressing social isolation; the Department of Finance in relation to financial literacy and inclusion for older people; and the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht in relation to community based services for older people. There have been significant progress in relation to these issues, however much work also remains to be done.

My Department is currently developing a successor to the Roadmap for Social Inclusion 2020–2025, which is due to be published in the first half of 2026. In addition, my Department engages with stakeholders in the community and voluntary sector on the issues that impact older people, through for example regular Community and Voluntary Pillar meetings and the Pre-Budget Forum.