Policy

(12 October 2021) Reacting to Budget 2022, Age Action welcomes the Government’s recognition that older people have been left behind for three years while the cost of living has gone up, but €5 on the State Pension will replace less than half of the €10.24 that the State Pension has lost in purchasing power since January 2019. The increase of €3 in the Living Alone allowance is welcome as it will assist the 4 in 10 older people who live alone.

(11 October 2021) When the rising cost of goods and services is taken into account, the State Pension is worth €542 per year less at the end of 2021 compared to January 2019*. In January 2019, the rate of the State Pension was €248.30. This has not changed since, while the Consumer Price Index has risen by 4.3% due to increases in the cost of goods and services to consumers. In advance of Budget 2022, Age Action has reiterated its call for the Government to demonstrate its commitment to the State Pension in Budget 2022 by increasing the rate by €15 plus a proportionate increase in income thresholds used for eligibility for the Medical Card and other means-tested services. 

(8 October 2021) In an initial reaction to the report of the Pensions Commission published on 07 October, Age Action has said that Government decisions – starting from Budget 2022 next Tuesday – will determine the adequacy of the State Pension as a foundation for a secure retirement for the majority of Irish people in future years.

(01 October 2021) International Day of Older Persons highlights Digital Equity for All Ages in recognition of the need to take steps to address digital exclusion experienced by older people.

Join our webinar today: Digital Equity for All Ages. How Digital Inclusion Supports Equality and Rights of Older People as we launch our new policy brief Digital Inclusion and an Ageing Population.

(01 October 2021) 65% of People Over the Age of 65 Experience Digital Exclusion in Ireland

At least 466,000 people over the age of 65 experience digital exclusion in Ireland, meaning that they are not using the internet or they lack the digital devices or necessary skills to navigate the internet safely, and therefore are limited in their ability to access public services online. Digital exclusion restricts people’s access to their rights and affects their quality of life. Age Action released their report, Digital Inclusion and Ageing Population, to coincide with United Nations International Day of Older Persons on 1 October which is highlighting Digital Equity for All Ages.

(Monday 27 September) is the start of Positive Ageing Week 2021 which is themed Reconnecting Our Communities by Reframing Ageing to challenge negative stereotypes of ageing and older people. 

The portrayal of older people as vulnerable, frail, in need of care and protection that characterised public discourse during COVID-19 reflected negative stereotypes we hold about older people.

In response to the announcement of a 10 to 12 percentage increase in household energy prices by Bord Gáis today, Age Action is reiterating its call on the Government to expand the eligibility criteria for the Fuel Allowance and to increase the number of weeks of the year it covers from 28 to 32 to protect people from potential fuel poverty.

(13 September 2021) Age Action today launched its submission to Government in advance of Budget 2022, alongside the findings of a survey of older people’s views on the budget.

93.7% of respondents to Age Action’s Pre-Budget 2022 survey said that there should be in increase in the State Pension. 53.7% of older persons said they found it difficult to access services or activities that were only available online, and 54.3% had medical appointments for non-COVID issues cancelled or postponed.

(10 September 2021) 

STOP67 to continue campaign against rise in pension age following Pensions Commission recommendation

The STOP67 coalition has said it will continue to campaign against an increase in the State pension age, notwithstanding any decision by the Pensions Commission to recommend its deferral until 2028.

(09 September 2021) Age Action, Ireland’s leading advocacy organisation on ageing and older people, says that the leaked proposal of the Pensions Commission to raise the pension age to 68 by 2039, and 67 by 2031, will not fix Ireland’s ailing retirement system.