asked the Minister for Health if he will consider setting up a national council for the aged to consider the special problems of the aged in our society today.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Council for the Aged.
9.
The establishment of a national council for the aged, which had been recommended by the inter-departmental committee on the care of the aged, was considered in 1970. The main objective of the council would be to promote the growth of voluntary organisations dedicated to the improvement of services for the aged.
It was, however, considered undesirable to establish a national council which would have the sole function of dealing with the aged. Instead, it was decided to establish the National Social Service Council with general functions in relation to the support and development of voluntary organisations, including those relating to the care of the aged.
I am not aware of any compelling reasons to change the present position and establish a separate council for the aged.