You are here

Programme for Government ‘disappointing’ and ‘vague’

Published 11/05/2016

SHARE THIS

Age Action has expressed its disappointment at the measures relating to older people outlined in today’s Programme for Government

Justin Moran, Head of Advocacy and Communications at Age Action, said: “The most unpleasant surprise is what’s not in the Programme for Government.

“There is no reference at all to the National Positive Ageing Strategy, which was supposed to be the blueprint for a cross-departmental approach to support growing numbers of older people in the years ahead.

“More than three years since it was published there is no implementation plan for the strategy and we had hoped to see the Government recommit to driving this strategy forward.

“Instead, a Citizens’ Assembly will now be responsible for discussing the ‘future needs…possibilities and opportunities for our ageing population’.

“The Government must clarify the status of the National Positive Ageing Strategy and explain how, or if, it will ensure it is fully implemented.”

Members launching the Age Action election manifesto
Members launching our election manifesto earlier this year

Vague targets

Mr Moran was also critical of the lack of targets in the Programme for Government.

He continued: “In their election manifesto Fine Gael promised to increase the State Pension by €25 over five years, but in the Programme for Government there is only a commitment to increase it ‘above the rate of inflation’.

“The manifesto promised an additional 2.2 million additional home help hours and while the commitment announced today to increase funding for home help and home care is welcome, it is not clear if it will provide the promised 2.2 million hours.

“This Government has been re-elected on the back of the commitments it made during the General Election, including the pledges made to older people, and we expect to see those promises delivered.”

SHARE THIS

Age Action Ireland to benefit from Gas Networks Ireland Survey

Gas Networks Ireland is raising money for Age Action. If you've recently called their contact centre or had work done by them, you might receive a text from Gas Networks asking for your feedback. For every response received, they'll donate €2 to Age Action. There is no obligation to participate.

How It Works - If you've had contact with Gas Networks Ireland service centre or had work carried out by them, you may receive a message from Marie Lyster, their Customer Experience Manager. This message is an invitation to share your feedback. 

By providing feedback – only if you choose to – you'll be supporting Age Action Ireland. For every piece of feedback received, Gas Networks Ireland will donate €2 to our organisation. This contribution can support our efforts to improve the lives of older people in Ireland.You won't be asked for any bank details or money. Gas Networks Ireland is handling all the donations.

If you would rather not get these texts, just let them know and you won’t be included.  If you are over 65yrs old, you can contact them directly on their Age-Friendly service.  See their contact details here.

For Corporate Clients- Please note that Gas Networks donate €50 for each qualitative interview their commercial customers take part in.

Details on Gas networks customer surveys is available here.

For more information about our work and other ways to get involved with Age Action, please click here.