A coalition of leading organisations representing older people has called for the establishment of an independent Commissioner for Ageing and Older People.
The call is contained in a new report published today by the Alliance of Age Sector NGOs examining Government progress on commitments relating to Ireland’s ageing population.
The Taking Stock report examines 27 commitments made in respect of older people across relevant Government policies and frameworks.
The Alliance says its assessment highlights areas where commitments have yet to be meaningfully advanced or have lacked coordinated implementation.
It is calling for an independent Commissioner for Ageing and Older People to provide greater oversight and focus on issues affecting the country’s growing older population.
The coalition is also seeking a State-led campaign to tackle ageism and a properly resourced national action plan addressing loneliness and social isolation.
The Alliance comprises eight organisations working with and on behalf of older people: Active Retirement Ireland, Age & Opportunity, ALONE, The Alzheimer Society of Ireland, Irish Hospice Foundation, Irish Senior Citizens Parliament, Third Age and COPE Galway.
The organisations argue that demographic change makes greater coordination across Government increasingly important.
Ireland’s older population is projected to increase substantially over the coming decades, placing issues including housing, healthcare, home support, transport, pensions, community services and social isolation increasingly at the centre of public policy.
The Alliance says an independent Commissioner could provide a dedicated mechanism to advocate for older people’s interests and scrutinise how Government commitments affecting the ageing population are implemented.
Its new report also calls for greater coordination across Government departments as Ireland plans for a rapidly ageing population.
