Minister for older people should be a priority

AMIDST the justifiable public concern at the make-up of the new cabinet and ranks of junior ministers regarding gender, there seems to be little debate at the decision of the new government not to appoint a junior minister for older people.

The decision defies logic. The Programme for Government features a considerable amount of policy relating to older people, including the commitment to complete and implement the National Positive Ageing Strategy. But, in the absence of a minister to steer this through, who will ensure the Government addresses the issues of ageing in a joined-up, comprehensive way? Ireland has had a Minister for Older People in each administration since Dr Tom Moffatt’s appointment to the position in 1997. But now, at a time when governments around the world are intensifying their planning for their ageing populations, our government decides not to appoint a minister with responsibility for this important policy area.

There has been no explanation for the decision and no public uproar.