Minister for Health and Children Mary Harney T.D. will visit the Third Age Centre in Summerhill on Monday, 11th February to formally launch the report “Empowering & Enabling Older People” a review of the work of the Third Age Foundation, by Prof Eamon O’Shea of NUIG.

The Minister will be welcomed by Summerhill’s older citizens, expressing their fulsome appreciation for the support they have received from the Department of Health, the HSE and FAS since the centre started in 1988. Mary Nally, Third Age Foundation Director will explain the many and varied projects that the Summerhill group undertake.

“Our members are involved in a wide range of activities providing opportunities, services and facilities for older people. It is important to emphasise the real value of what older people are doing for themselves, the contribution they are continuing to make to the community and to society as a whole. We are delighted with this opportunity to welcome the Minister and to showcase our work and let our older volunteers demonstrate the value of what is done here.”

"An important goal of the Summerhill group is to build links and friendships with different groups and cultures with an aim of combating prejudices, breaking down barriers, promoting inclusion, building understanding and learning with and about one another. Our members are delighted to work with asylum seekers, travellers, new non-Irish nationals and particularly long-stay residents of our local hospital” Mary Nally said.

The Minister will be shown around the Centre and will meet staff and users of the services provided there, as well as members, residents from St Joseph’s Hospital in Trim and traveller members based in Navan and guests. 

The Summerhill group will take this opportunity to show Minister Harney their plans and vision for the future and will emphasise the contribution of older people to the strength and well-being of the entire community.