THE ELDERLY MUST BE A PRIORITY FOR NEXT
GOVERNMENT
Thursday, 26 April 2007
Labour TD Brendan Howlin has said that provision for older persons must
be high on the agenda of the next government.
“Labour has spelled out detailed policy to ensure a high quality of
health and income for older citizens. The people who created the Celtic
Tiger, must be allowed to enjoy its benefits
“Locally the building of a public nursing home for Wexford town will be
a personal priority. When I was Minister for Health I required the then
South-Eastern Health Board to buy Ely Hospital. My intension was that
Ely would become the nursing home/retirement hospital for the people of
Wexford Town and District.
“Unfortunately the plan was only partly implemented when I left office.
I am determined that Wexford will have a modern facility for its older
residents.
“Building the second phase of St. John’s in Enniscorthy and the
upgrading of elderly residential facilities in Gorey and New Ross must
also be carried out in the lifetime of the next government.
“The Labour Party wants to ensure that older citizens are able to avail
of activities, opportunities and resources that they did not have in
their young lives. Most, if not all, want to continue to live in their
own homes. We must ensure that GP supports, community care services,
and, where necessary, access to physical aids, are made readily
available.
“The increased longevity of our population is a cause of celebration. A
caring State must ensure that all lives are lived to their full
potential, and that the older years are enjoyable and fulfilling.”
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