asked the Minister for Health if any survey has been undertaken by his Department to identify the number of old people living on their own; the number of those who are inactive; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Old People Survey.
29.
While no survey of the aged living alone has been undertaken by my Department a number of surveys relating to old people have been undertaken on both a national and on a local basis. For example, in 1976 the Society of St. Vincent de Paul initiated a survey on old people living alone; the Economic and Social Research Institute expect to publish a preliminary report on the economic circumstances of the elderly in June next and surveys on nutritional requirements and health of old people are in hands.
I should add that since 1966 arrangements have existed for each public health nurse to compile and keep up-to-date a register of old people resident in her district. This procedure was endorsed in 1975 by the working group which reviewed the workload of public health nurses. The needs of the elderly are given a special priority by health boards.