Vol. 460 No. 3
145 Mr. Hughes asked the Minister for Health Ireland's position in relation to the proposal which came before the Council of Ministers meeting on 5 December 1995, on community support for action in favour of older people; whether Ireland had a representative at this meeting who supported the proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19292/96]
Limerick East): This country strongly supports the proposal for a programme in favour of older people which awaits ratification by the Social Affairs Council of Ministers. Irish Ministers for Health do not normally attend a Social Affairs Council Meeting, so I was not present at the meeting of 5 December last. However, I can assure the Deputy that the failure to secure a unanimous vote in favour of the proposal was not due to any lack of support from the Irish representative. I am pleased to note that discussions are continuing in an effort to resolve the impasse.
