Vol. 551 No. 2
309 Ms Clune asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to reports of abuse of the elderly; the steps he has taken to address the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10150/02]
Following the publication of the report "Abuse, Neglect and Mistreatment of Older People: an Exploratory Study" by the National Council on Ageing and Older People, I established a broad-based working group to advise me on the formulation of procedures and guidelines on elder abuse. It is chaired by Dr. Desmond O'Neill, Consultant Physician in Medicine of Old Age. The terms of reference of the working group are to advise on the development of principles, policies and guidelines in relation to the implementation of appropriate structures to deal with elder abuse.
The group drew up a comprehensive work programme which involved, inter alia, development of a training brief, the organisation of pilot projects, implementation of awareness and training programmes and preparation of an evaluation report, culminating in the presentation of a final report. The group is on target to have its work finalised by 30 June this year.
