The ministerial portfolio for older people and ageing-related issues has been assigned to Minister of State for Disability, Equality and Mental Health Kathleen Lynch.

This follows the Government’s decision last month not to appoint a junior minister with responsibility for older people.

Announcing the decision, Minister for Health James Reilly said Ms Lynch’s priority would be to complete and implement the National Positive Ageing Strategy as outlined in the Coalition’s Programme for Government.

“Her responsibilities also include ensuring the supply of more and better care for older people in the community and in residential settings, a further priority of this Government,” he said.

Minister Lynch said she was looking forward to engaging with all stakeholders to drive the Government’s agenda in this area and to ensure “that older people, who have contributed so much to Irish society, can continue to live in their own homes and communities as is their wish”.

Age Action last month expressed surprise at the Government’s not to retain a junior minister for older people.

The advocacy group said it was the first time in 14 years that someone had not been appointed to the position and that the decision was “difficult to understand” given the challenges facing policy makers because of the State’s ageing population.

By 2050, it is expected that 29 per cent of the State's population will be aged over 60, according to the Centre for Ageing Research and Development in Ireland (Cardi).

Fianna Fáil's Áine Brady, who lost her seat in Kildare North in the general election, served as minister of state for older people in the last government.