Policy

Key recommendations of the Expert Panel Report on Covid-19 and nursing homes, in relation to staffing, have not yet been fully implemented across all nursing homes. With an increasing concern about the level of COVID-19 positive cases circulating in workplaces and the community we are concerned about the potential impact on the safety and rights of people living in nursing homes.

(Wednesday 14 July) As the Pre-Budget Forum is hosted by the Department of Social Protection on Wednesday 14 July,  Age Action is calling for the Government to protect older people from falling into poverty with an increase in the State Pension of €15 per week  and a comprehensive study on the cost of ageing to inform future policy.

(Friday 9 July) Age Action has raised the concerns of people aged 60-69 about the vaccination process in place for them with public representatives including the Minister for Health who we have asked to provide clarity on the most efficacious vaccination process for this group and a direct response to concerns about potential discrimination or undermining of equality of outcomes for older people.

(Tuesday 29 June 2021) Age Action supports the campaign of the Retired Semi-State Staff Associations, on behalf of retired workers, to strengthen their rights in relation to representation and participation in issues concerning their occupational pension schemes.

(15 June 2021) To mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) 2021, June 15th, Age Action reports that their Information Service dealt with 98 contacts from people concerned about elder abuse in 2020 compared to 71 contacts in 2019 – an increase of 38%.

(03 June 2021) Age Action joined the Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) for the launch of their report Human Rights in a Pandemic to highlight the lived experience of older people in the context of equality and rights.

In a wide-ranging report published by ICCL emergency measures that restricted rights were challenged. The report calls for Government to take account of how the pandemic has affected marginalised people to avoid entrenching inequality as the country reopens.

(20 May 2021) Age Action addressed the Oireachtas Sub-Committee on Mental Health highlighting how the ageism that was evident during the response to COVID-19 pandemic has impacted older people including their mental health.

The STOP67 campaign set out its strategy and policy objectives at a webinar on Wednesday, 28th April.

The STOP67 Campaign hosted the webinar in the wake of the successful campaign to repeal the legislation raising the pension age to 67. With the public consultation of the Pension Commission concluded and the Government awaiting their report, the discussion focused on the opportunity to create a fair and flexible pension system for all that would address income security, adequacy and choice for older people.

Hosted by NWCI, the webinar included inputs from Age Action, SIPTU, Active Retirement Ireland, INOU and SpunOut. Representatives of the main political parties, including Fianna Fáil, the Green Party, Sinn Féin, the Labour Party and the People Before Profit participated iln the webinar aong with a range of other organisations and interested groups.

(21 April 2021)  Age Action presented to the Stakeholder Forum of the Pension Commission to represent the lived experience of older people.

(2 March 2021) 

The Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) has said the pandemic has shown that older people living in residential care are not getting the protection and care they need. And it’s clear that there are problems in other residential settings, such as Direct Provision, as well.

ICCL, Age Action and Sage Advocacy believe the solution to this is independent, human rights-focused inspections. The government is talking about such a system, but it’s essential that residential institutions and care homes are included. Ireland’s sad history in this regard shows us why this is so important.