Age Action and the Irish Senior Citizens Parliament (ISCP) have officially announced the launch of a comprehensive national consultation process aimed at strengthening the influence of older people within the framework of Irish public policy. This joint initiative seeks to address a perceived gap in the representation of senior citizens in the legislative and administrative processes that directly affect their lives. By gathering direct input from the public, particularly those in the older demographic, the organizations intend to construct a robust evidence base that will inform future advocacy and ensure that the perspectives of Ireland’s aging population are central to national decision-making.
The consultation is designed to be inclusive, reaching out not only to older individuals but also to community organizations, dedicated advocates, and stakeholders with a vested interest in the socio-economic landscape of aging. To ensure the integrity and professional standard of the data collection, the organizations have recruited Mosaic Social Impact, a consultancy specializing in social research and community engagement, to manage the process. This strategic partnership underscores the commitment to generating high-quality, actionable insights that can be presented to government departments and international bodies.
Context and Background of the National Consultation
The decision to launch this consultation comes at a pivotal moment for Irish society. Ireland is currently experiencing a significant demographic shift, characterized by a rapidly aging population. According to data from the Central Statistics Office (CSO), the number of people aged 65 and over is projected to increase significantly over the next three decades. By 2051, it is estimated that approximately 1.6 million people in Ireland will be in this age bracket, representing nearly a quarter of the total population.
Despite these figures, advocacy groups have long argued that public policy often fails to keep pace with the changing needs of older citizens. Issues ranging from the "digital-by-default" approach to government services to the adequacy of the state pension and the availability of home care packages have become central themes in the discourse surrounding aging in Ireland. Age Action, established in 1992, has been at the forefront of these discussions, providing a voice for older people and their families. Similarly, the Irish Senior Citizens Parliament (ISCP) serves as a representative body for over 400 affiliated organizations, focusing on the rights and dignity of seniors.
The synergy between these two organizations represents a unified front. By pooling their resources and networks, they aim to move beyond reactive advocacy toward a proactive model of policy influence. The consultation serves as the foundational step in this evolution, providing the empirical data necessary to challenge ageist stereotypes and demand systemic change.
Chronology of the Initiative and Key Deadlines
The development of this consultation follows a structured timeline designed to maximize participation and ensure thorough analysis. The initiative began with preliminary discussions between the executive leadership of Age Action and the ISCP regarding the need for a more coordinated approach to policy submission. Following the identification of core objectives, the organizations moved to secure an external partner to manage the research phase.
- Recruitment and Design Phase: In early 2024, Mosaic Social Impact was selected to design a survey instrument that was both accessible and comprehensive. The design phase focused on identifying key thematic areas such as healthcare, housing, transport, and digital inclusion.
- Official Launch: The consultation was officially opened to the public in late 2024, with a wide-scale dissemination strategy targeting community centers, libraries, and digital platforms.
- Active Engagement Period: The survey is currently in its active phase. The organizations have emphasized that the window for participation is intentionally long to allow for deep engagement across all regions of Ireland, including rural areas where digital access may be limited.
- Submission Deadline: The consultation process will remain open until Friday, September 19, 2025. This extended timeframe is designed to capture a broad spectrum of views and allow for seasonal variations in the concerns raised by the public.
- Data Analysis and Reporting: Following the September 2025 deadline, Mosaic Social Impact will begin the process of data collation and thematic analysis. A final report is expected to be published in late 2025 or early 2026, which will serve as a roadmap for future policy interventions.
Supporting Data: The Demographic Imperative
The urgency of this consultation is supported by a wealth of socio-economic data. Ireland’s 2022 Census revealed that the population of those aged 65 and over grew by 22% since 2016, a rate far exceeding the growth of any other age group. This demographic transition brings with it complex challenges and opportunities that require nuanced policy responses.
- Economic Impact: Older people contribute significantly to the Irish economy, both as consumers and through unpaid work such as caregiving and volunteering. However, many also face economic precarity. Research indicates that the rising cost of living has disproportionately affected older people on fixed incomes, particularly those living in energy-inefficient housing.
- The Digital Divide: A 2023 report on digital inclusion highlighted that while internet usage among seniors is rising, a significant minority—approximately 25% of those over 75—have never used the internet. This creates a barrier to accessing essential services like banking, health appointments, and social welfare updates.
- Health and Social Care: The demand for home care hours continues to outstrip supply. While government initiatives like Sláintecare aim to move care into the community, advocates argue that without a statutory right to home care, many older people are forced into long-term residential care prematurely.
These data points provide the backdrop for the survey questions, which seek to quantify the lived experiences of older people and translate them into statistical evidence for policymakers.
Methodological Approach and Accessibility
To ensure the consultation is truly representative, Age Action and the ISCP have implemented a multi-modal approach to data collection. Recognizing that a purely digital survey would exclude the very people it seeks to empower, the consultation is available through multiple channels.
Participants can access the survey online through a dedicated portal hosted by Mosaic Social Impact. For those who prefer non-digital methods or require assistance, a dedicated telephone line (01 203 0737) has been established. This allows respondents to provide their input through a facilitated interview process. This dual-access model is critical for maintaining the integrity of the sample and ensuring that the "silent" demographic—those without digital literacy or internet access—is heard.
Mosaic Social Impact’s involvement is intended to provide an objective, third-party perspective. Their role includes not only the collection of data but also the application of rigorous social research methodologies to identify trends, outliers, and systemic issues that may not be immediately apparent through anecdotal evidence alone.
Broader Impact and Policy Implications
The implications of this national consultation extend beyond the immediate interests of Age Action and the ISCP. The findings are expected to influence several key areas of Irish public life:
Influence on the National Positive Ageing Strategy:
Ireland’s National Positive Ageing Strategy, launched in 2013, provides the framework for aging policy. However, many of its goals remain unfulfilled or require updating to reflect post-pandemic realities. The results of this consultation will likely be used to lobby for a refreshed strategy with clear, measurable targets.
Political Engagement and the "Grey Vote":
With a General Election likely to occur within the timeframe of this consultation, the data gathered will serve as a powerful tool for political engagement. Older people in Ireland traditionally have higher rates of voter turnout. By presenting a unified set of demands backed by comprehensive data, Age Action and the ISCP can ensure that the concerns of seniors are a central plank in political party manifestos.
Addressing Ageism in Public Policy:
A core objective of the initiative is to challenge ageist assumptions that often underpin policy decisions. By highlighting the diverse contributions and needs of older people, the consultation seeks to shift the narrative from seeing aging as a "burden" on the state to seeing it as a natural and valuable stage of the life course that requires supportive infrastructure.
International Alignment:
The consultation aligns with the United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030), which calls for governments to improve the lives of older people, their families, and their communities. Ireland’s participation in this global movement will be strengthened by the grassroots evidence generated through this domestic initiative.
Conclusion and Call to Action
The collaboration between Age Action and the Irish Senior Citizens Parliament marks a significant step forward in the quest for social justice for older people in Ireland. By outsourcing the management of the consultation to Mosaic Social Impact, the organizations have ensured a level of professionalism and objectivity that will make the final findings difficult for policymakers to ignore.
The consultation remains open to all, with a particular emphasis on reaching those whose voices are rarely heard in the halls of power. Whether through the online portal or the telephone submission line, the organizers are urging every older person in Ireland, as well as those who support them, to take the time to contribute. The deadline of September 19, 2025, provides an ample window for a truly national conversation on what it means to age in Ireland and how the state can better support its citizens throughout their lives.
As the data begins to accrue, the focus will shift toward the translation of these voices into a powerful mandate for change. In an era of rapid demographic transition, the success of this consultation may well determine the quality of life for millions of Irish citizens for decades to come.
