Colm Burke
Question:1157. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health to provide a status update regarding the establishment of a Commission on Care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47633/23]
View answerTuesday, 7 November 2023
Questions (1157)
Written answers
In line with the on-going Sláintecare reform of the health and social care system, the Government is committed to supporting older persons to live independently in their homes and communities for as long as possible; to the provision of timely, high-quality, person-centred, integrated care in the most appropriate setting for all older persons; and to supporting positive ageing. Acknowledging the disproportionately negative impact of the pandemic on older persons, the Programme for Government commits to the establishment of a "commission to examine care and supports for older people".
On 3 October 2023 the Government approved the proposal put forward by the Minister for Health and I for the establishment of a Commission on Care for Older Persons. The commission will examine the provision of health and social care services and supports for older persons and make recommendations to the Government for their strategic development. In addition, a cross-departmental group will be established under the auspices of the commission to consider whether the supports for positive ageing across the life course are fit-for-purpose and to develop a costed implementation plan for options to optimise these supports. The commission will be comprised of independent experts and will be supported by a secretariat from the Department of Health.
In the budget for 2024, €1.243 million has been allocated to support the work of the commission, which will formally commence in early 2024.