Age Action and the Irish Senior Citizens Parliament (ISCP) have officially launched a comprehensive national consultation process designed to identify and bridge the gaps in how older people influence public policy in Ireland. This joint initiative seeks to establish a more robust framework for advocacy, ensuring that the perspectives of those aged 65 and over are not merely considered but are central to the legislative and social decisions that impact their lives. By inviting contributions from older individuals, community groups, and policy advocates, the two organizations aim to create a roadmap for a future where aging is met with dignity, inclusion, and political representation.
The consultation comes at a pivotal moment for Irish society, as demographic shifts indicate a rapidly aging population that requires a reimagined approach to infrastructure, healthcare, and social welfare. To ensure the integrity and objectivity of the data collected, the organizations have commissioned Mosaic Social Impact, a specialist consultancy, to manage the research and engagement phases. This partnership underscores a commitment to professional, evidence-based advocacy that can withstand the rigors of governmental scrutiny.
The Consultation Framework and Accessibility
The primary mechanism for this consultation is a nationwide survey designed to be accessible to a diverse range of participants. Recognizing the "digital divide" that often affects older demographics, the organizers have implemented a multi-channel approach to data collection. Participants can engage with the consultation through a dedicated online portal hosted by Mosaic Social Impact. For those who prefer non-digital methods or require assistance, a dedicated telephone line has been established, allowing individuals to submit their responses through direct conversation with researchers.
The survey is structured to be "quick and easy to complete," yet it is comprehensive enough to capture nuanced views on complex topics such as pension adequacy, healthcare access, and community integration. The consultation period is notably extensive, remaining open until Friday, September 19, 2025. This long-term window is intended to allow for deep engagement within local communities, rural areas, and marginalized groups who might otherwise be overlooked in shorter, high-pressure polling cycles.
Background: The Evolving Landscape of Aging in Ireland
The collaboration between Age Action and the ISCP represents a unification of two of Ireland’s most prominent advocacy voices. Age Action, founded in 1992, has long served as a leading advocacy organization for older people and an aging society. The ISCP, acting as a representative parliament for senior citizens, provides a platform for older people to voice their concerns directly to policymakers.
The necessity for this consultation is rooted in the significant demographic changes recorded over the last decade. According to the Central Statistics Office (CSO) Census 2022 results, the population of people aged 65 and over in Ireland grew by 22% between 2016 and 2022, reaching a total of 776,315 people. This demographic now accounts for approximately 15% of the total population. Projections suggest that by 2050, one in four people in Ireland will be over the age of 65.
Despite these growing numbers, advocacy groups argue that public policy has not kept pace with the needs of an aging citizenry. Issues such as mandatory retirement ages, the transition to digital-only banking and government services, and the "Fair Deal" nursing home scheme remain points of significant contention. The current consultation aims to gather the qualitative evidence needed to challenge existing paradigms and propose more inclusive alternatives.
Key Policy Areas and Anticipated Research Themes
While the consultation is open-ended to allow for organic feedback, several key policy areas are expected to dominate the discourse. These themes reflect the current socio-economic challenges facing older people in Ireland:
Income Security and Pension Reform
The adequacy of the State Pension remains a central concern. With the cost of living rising, many older people find themselves at risk of "fuel poverty" or social isolation due to financial constraints. The consultation will likely explore the public’s view on the "Triple Lock" system—a mechanism used in other jurisdictions to ensure pensions rise with inflation or wages—and how it might be applied in an Irish context.
The Digital Divide and Service Accessibility
As government departments and private companies move toward "digital by default" models, a significant portion of the older population faces exclusion. The consultation seeks to quantify the impact of bank branch closures and the automation of public services. Evidence gathered here will be used to advocate for "omni-channel" service delivery that respects the preference for face-to-face or telephone interaction.
Healthcare and Independent Living
A major goal of the Irish government’s Sláintecare reform is to transition care into the community. However, the availability of home care packages and the infrastructure for "aging in place" remain inconsistent across different counties. The consultation will provide a platform for older people to describe their experiences with the healthcare system, specifically regarding wait times for home modifications and the availability of primary care.
Housing and Urban Planning
The concept of "Age-Friendly Cities" is a global initiative supported by the World Health Organization (WHO). In Ireland, there is a growing need for "right-sizing" options—housing that allows older people to move from large family homes to smaller, more accessible dwellings within their own communities. The survey will likely capture the barriers preventing this transition, such as lack of suitable housing stock and the financial implications of selling a primary residence.
The Role of Mosaic Social Impact
By recruiting Mosaic Social Impact, Age Action and the ISCP are emphasizing the importance of "Social Return on Investment" (SROI) and high-quality data analytics. Mosaic Social Impact specializes in measuring the tangible and intangible effects of social programs. Their involvement ensures that the final report will not merely be a collection of opinions but a rigorous analysis of the "lived experience" of aging in Ireland.
This professional oversight is crucial for the next phase of the project: lobbying. When these organizations meet with government ministers or appear before Oireachtas committees, having data that has been independently verified and professionally collated lends significant weight to their arguments. It transforms anecdotal evidence into a powerful tool for legislative change.
Timeline and Project Milestones
The consultation process is designed as a multi-stage project:
- Launch Phase (Current): Wide dissemination of the survey links and telephone contact details to the public, media, and community networks.
- Engagement Phase (2024–2025): Active outreach through town hall meetings, community workshops, and partnerships with local "Age Friendly" alliances.
- Data Collection Deadline (September 19, 2025): The final day for public submissions via the Mosaic Social Impact portal or telephone line.
- Analysis Phase (Late 2025): Mosaic Social Impact will synthesize the data, identifying key trends and priority areas across different demographics and geographic locations.
- Report Publication and Advocacy (2026): The findings will be compiled into a comprehensive report. This document will serve as the primary advocacy tool for Age Action and the ISCP in their negotiations with the government ahead of future budgets and general elections.
Official Perspectives and Implications
While official statements from government departments are typically reserved for the post-report phase, there is an implicit understanding within political circles that the "grey vote" is a powerful and highly engaged constituency. In previous elections, older voters have demonstrated higher turnout rates than younger cohorts, making their policy preferences a matter of strategic importance for all political parties.
Representatives from the advocacy sector have noted that this consultation is not just about identifying problems, but about "co-designing" solutions. The shift toward co-design—where the end-users of a service are involved in its creation—is a growing trend in international public policy. By empowering older people to speak for themselves, Age Action and the ISCP are moving away from a "paternalistic" model of advocacy toward one based on active citizenship.
The broader implications of this study extend beyond the borders of Ireland. As the European Union as a whole grapples with an aging workforce and the sustainability of healthcare systems, the Irish consultation could serve as a model for how civil society can bridge the gap between the public and the state.
Participation and Contact Information
The organizers have stressed that the success of this initiative depends on the volume and diversity of the responses. They are calling on "older people, community organisations, advocates, and anyone with an interest in shaping policy" to contribute.
To participate in the consultation:
- Online: Submissions can be made through the official portal at https://www.mosaicsocialimpact.ie/consultation.
- Telephone: For those who prefer to speak with a researcher or do not have internet access, responses can be submitted by calling 01 203 0737.
The survey is designed to be inclusive, and the organizers encourage those from minority backgrounds, rural dwellers, and those living in residential care to share their unique perspectives. The deadline for all submissions is Friday, 19 September 2025.
By gathering this data, Age Action and the Irish Senior Citizens Parliament are preparing to hold the state accountable, ensuring that the "Better Future" promised in their mission statements is one that includes every citizen, regardless of age. The results of this consultation are expected to form the backbone of Irish aging policy for the next decade, influencing everything from local council planning to national budgetary priorities.
