Vol. 495 No. 5
130 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of the Board of the National Council on Ageing and Older People; the reason 16 vacancies on the board have not been filled since 1 April 1998 in view of the International Year of Older Persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20715/98]
The National Council on Ageing and Older People is a statutory body whose main function is to advise the Minister for Health and Children on all aspects of ageing and the welfare of older people. Members are appointed up to a maximum of 30 and I am aware that approximately half of the council membership is due for replacement. It is my intention to fill these vacancies shortly and in advance of the United Nations International Year of Older Persons in 1999.
