Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 February 2024
626. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Health for an update on the proposal to appoint an independent commissioner for ageing and older people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8027/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn furtherance of the commitment in the Programme for Government, on 3 October 2023 the Government approved the proposal from the Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly and I for the establishment of a Commission on Care for Older People. Subsequently, in Budget 2024 €1.24 million was allocated to support this important initiative.
The Commission will examine the provision of health and social care services and supports for older people and make recommendations to the Government for their strategic development. Subsequently a Cross-Departmental Group will be established under the auspices of the Commission to consider whether the supports for positive ageing across the lifecourse are fit-for-purpose and to develop a costed implementation plan for options to optimise these supports. Accordingly, it is envisaged that consideration of matters such as whether there is a need to establish an independent Commissioner for Ageing and Older People will fall within the Commission’s remit.
The Commission will be an independent commission, the members of which will be appointed by Minister Donnelly and I. On 14 December 2023 Minister Donnelly and I announced the appointment of Professor Alan Barrett, Chief Executive of the Economic and Social Research Institute, as Chairperson of the Commission. The other members of the Commission are currently being appointed.
