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.