asked the Minister for Health if, in view of the report on population trends, produced by the Central Statistics Office, which forecasts substantial increases in the proportion of the population over 65, he intends to take any measures to extend and improve the range of health services available for the elderly; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Health Services for the Elderly.
50.
My Department have been aware for some time of the expected increase in the number of elderly people in our population and of the implications for the health services. The latest population projections from the Central Statistics Office confirm earlier projections of a significant increase in the elderly population in the early years of the next century.
The implications of growing numbers of elderly people for health, housing and welfare services has been examined by the Working Party on Services for the Elderly. The working party have completed their report and will be presenting it to me shortly. I would like to assure the Deputy that the Government will quickly examine the recommendations in this report and implement those which it accepts, in so far as resources allow, as a matter of urgency.