Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 November 2023
33. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health when he expects the Commission on Care for Older People to convene; the impact that the additional funding secured in Budget 2024 will have on expediting this process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48616/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAcknowledging the disproportionately negative impact of the pandemic on older persons, the Programme for Government (2020) commits to the establishment of a ‘commission to examine care and supports for older people’. On 3 October 2023 the Government approved the proposal for a Commission on Care for Older Persons, which was put forward by myself and the Minister for Health. In Budget 2024 €1.243 million was secured to support the work of the Commission.
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.
The funding secured in Budget 2024 will provide for the recruitment of staff to the Commission’s secretariat; the procurement of research and other support services for the Commission as required; and the remuneration of the chairperson and members of the Commission as appropriate.
The work of the Commission will formally commence in early 2024.
