Family Minister Michael Farrugia and Parliamentary Secretary for Active Ageing Justyne Caruana both argued that the government's measures and projects were leaving the elderly better off as they addressed the general assembly of the National Council for the Elderly.

In his address, Dr Farrugia said that the government's efforts were leaving everyone better off, not least the elderly. He stressed, among other things, the investment that was set to take place in the health sector, emphasising that healthcare would still remain free for all. The minister also mentioned the reduction in utility tariffs and said that such measures were particularly important for those living on a retirement pension.

He concluded by stressing that the elderly should not be neglected by society, and pledged that the government would ensure that this would be the case.

On her part, Dr Caruana said that the government was committed to improving the quality of services provided to the elderly, including through the establishment of more day centres, night shelters and respite services.

She noted that her office was concluding its work on a strategy on dementia, and said that parts of this strategy were already being implemented, particularly when it comes to the training of those who work with the elderly. The parliamentary secretariat, she pointed out, has signed a memorandum of understanding with the University of Malta to provide this training.

Dr Caruana also noted that the government would be appointing a Commissioner for the Elderly to safeguard the rights of the elderly, and has worked to strengthen the fight against the abuse of elderly persons.