Meeting for seniors to focus on state entitlement

Minister for Older People Jim Daly TD will be in Mullingar to talk to senior citizens as guest of local TD, Peter Burke, today.

Deputy Burke has organised the public meeting in the Newbury Hotel today, Tuesday June 12, at 8pm. 

The meeting will hear from a variety of sources including officials from the HSE to discuss available services as well as the Fair Deal Scheme, a member of An Garda Síochána to talk about keeping your home safe and a representative from ALONE, the organisation that deals with loneliness and other issues facing elderly people. 

Also addressing the meeting will be an official from the Citizens Information Office, to highlight the entitlements and state services available to the older generation.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Deputy Burke said it will be a good opportunity for people to make sure they are in receipt of all their entitlements and also to take a look at their health and their wellbeing and ensure they are taking care of themselves to the best of their ability.

“I am delighted that Minister Daly accepted my invitation to come to Mullingar and discuss this important topic with local people. 

 

Health 
“I know from my clinics and from dealing with the public that not all older citizens are aware of the many services they are entitled to and many are not used to engaging with social welfare, health or housing services, having never done so in the past. 

“The meeting will focus on a number of topics, such as the various allowances and grants that are available to the over 65s, the issue of general health and loneliness, crime prevention, the Fair Deal Scheme and Homecare and the Department of Health’s Age Friendly Strategy. 

“Health is of huge importance, even more so as we get older and there are a number of government policies which aim to monitor and improve health.

“Similarly, at a time when people stop working, it is of vital importance to know how best to tackle applying for your state contributory or non-contributory pension, household benefits package, fuel allowance and other entitlements.

“I would encourage anyone with interest in any of these topics to come along and listen and put your questions to the various experts present.

“It will be an informal meeting with a Q&A at the end with light refreshments also served. 

“The minister is eager to hear from people on the ground in rural and regional Ireland about the issues facing them and is very open to listening to ideas and opinions on current policy and supports.”