Noel Ahern
Question:117 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Health and Children the measures, if any, taken by his Department to celebrate European year of the older person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16451/98]
Written Answers. - International Year of Older People.
It is assumed that the Deputy is referring to the United Nations International Year of Older People in 1999.
The Deputy will be pleased to learn that I have approved the establishment of a national steering committee under the aegis of the National Council on Ageing and Older People to oversee preparations for the celebration of the year in this country. The committee is representative of a broad range of statutory and voluntary organisations involved in promoting the interests of older people and has already met a number of times. The committee expects to finalise its strategic plan and mission statement shortly. My Department has provided funding for the 1998 costs of the planning of the year and will provide additional funding in respect of 1999.