Deirdre Clune
Ceist:435 Ms Clune asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the provisions or proposals, if any, he will introduce to mark the UN year of the elderly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10171/99]
Written Answers. - UN Year of the Elderly.
While primary responsibility for the UN International Year of Older Persons rests with my colleague, the Minister for Health and Children, my Department is represented on the National Steering Committee for the year. I am also pleased to say that in recognition of the year, my Department, in conjunction with the European Commission, hosted a major international conference on the theme of "Caring for Older People in the Home – A Strategy for Social Inclusion", which concluded today in Dublin.
I believe that the time is opportune for a cross-community exchange on current policies and practices to determine those which are best suited to supporting older people in remaining active in their own homes and communities. The conference provided an opportunity for a wide range of interested parties across the European Union to discuss the issues, a discussion which I am sure will prove valuable for policy-makers.