In a significant move to reshape the landscape of advocacy for Ireland’s aging population, two of the country’s leading representative bodies, Age Action and the Irish Senior Citizens Parliament (ISCP), have announced a comprehensive national consultation process. This joint initiative is designed to identify and implement new strategies for building a more robust and influential voice for older persons within the realm of public policy. The primary objective is to ensure that the perspectives, concerns, and lived experiences of those aged 65 and over are not merely heard but are systematically integrated into the decision-making processes that govern their lives.
The consultation marks a pivotal moment in Irish social policy, seeking to bridge the gap between grassroots experiences and legislative action. By inviting contributions from older people, community organizations, professional advocates, and the general public, the organizers aim to create a blueprint for a future where aging is viewed through a lens of empowerment rather than dependency. To maintain the highest standards of objectivity and social research, the organizations have commissioned Mosaic Social Impact, a specialist consultancy, to manage the data collection and analysis phases of the project.
The Framework of the Consultation
The consultation process is built upon the premise that the current mechanisms for representing older people in Irish political life require modernization. As the demographic profile of the nation shifts, the traditional methods of advocacy must evolve to address more complex issues ranging from digital exclusion to healthcare reform and pension sustainability.
The survey is structured to be inclusive and accessible, recognizing that the "older person" demographic is not a monolith but a diverse group with varying needs and capabilities. Participation is being facilitated through multiple channels to ensure that no one is excluded due to technological barriers. Interested parties can access the digital survey through the official Mosaic Social Impact portal or provide their feedback via a dedicated telephone line. The consultation period is notably extensive, remaining open until Friday, September 19, 2025, allowing for a deep and thorough engagement with communities across all 26 counties.
Historical Context and the Evolution of Advocacy
To understand the necessity of this consultation, it is essential to look at the history of Age Action and the Irish Senior Citizens Parliament. Age Action was established in 1992 as a national advocacy organization for older people and an aging society. Over three decades, it has evolved from a small service provider into a major policy influencer, focusing on the "Global Age-Friendly Cities" model and advocating for the rights of older persons in the workforce and the home.
The Irish Senior Citizens Parliament (ISCP) operates as a national umbrella organization, representing hundreds of affiliated groups. Its mission has traditionally focused on the "Senior Citizens’ Parliament" model, where delegates debate issues and pass motions to be presented to the government. While these organizations have achieved significant milestones—such as the preservation of the Free Travel Scheme and influence over the National Positive Ageing Strategy—there is a growing recognition that the pace of policy change is often too slow to meet the urgent needs of a rapidly aging population.
The decision to launch this joint consultation stems from a realization that a unified, data-driven approach is required to move beyond reactive advocacy. By combining the resources and memberships of both organizations, the initiative seeks to create a "single, powerful voice" that can engage with the Department of Health, the Department of Social Protection, and the Department of Rural and Community Development with greater authority.
Demographic Drivers and Supporting Data
The urgency of this consultation is underscored by stark demographic data provided by the Central Statistics Office (CSO). According to the 2022 Census, the number of people aged 65 and over in Ireland has increased by 22% since 2016, reaching a total of 776,315 people. This cohort now represents approximately 15% of the total population, a figure that is projected to rise significantly over the next three decades.
Projections indicate that by 2051, there will be approximately 1.6 million people aged 65 and over in Ireland, with the number of people aged 80 and over expected to quadruple. This "demographic dividend" presents both opportunities and challenges. While increased longevity is a triumph of public health and social development, it necessitates a radical rethink of urban planning, healthcare delivery, and economic participation.
Data from the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) further highlights the specific areas where policy intervention is required. Recent findings suggest that while many older people in Ireland report high levels of life satisfaction, significant minorities face challenges related to social isolation, fuel poverty, and the "digital divide." For instance, while internet usage among those over 65 has increased, a substantial portion of the population remains "digitally disconnected," making it difficult for them to access essential services that have moved exclusively online. The Age Action and ISCP consultation specifically targets these gaps, seeking to understand how policy can be made more inclusive for those who are not online.
The Role of Mosaic Social Impact
By recruiting Mosaic Social Impact to manage the consultation, Age Action and the ISCP are emphasizing a commitment to professional, evidence-based research. Mosaic Social Impact specializes in measuring and evaluating social value, ensuring that the qualitative stories of older people are translated into quantitative data that can withstand the scrutiny of government departments and budget-setting committees.
The consultancy’s involvement ensures that the methodology of the survey is robust. It moves beyond simple opinion polling to explore the "structural barriers" to participation. This includes examining why certain groups—such as older renters, those living in rural areas, or members of the Traveller community—may feel their voices are less heard than others. The 2025 deadline reflects the ambitious scale of this research, aiming for a sample size that is truly representative of the Irish population.
Anticipated Policy Implications and Official Perspectives
While official government responses to the launch of the consultation have focused on the importance of "public engagement," the underlying implications for the State are profound. The results of this consultation are expected to influence several key areas of Irish legislation and strategy:
- The National Positive Ageing Strategy: Originally launched in 2013, the strategy is widely considered to be in need of a comprehensive update. The consultation findings will likely serve as a primary evidence base for a "Version 2.0" of this framework.
- Pension Reform: With ongoing debates regarding the State Pension age and the transition to auto-enrollment, the consultation will provide a platform for older people to express how income security affects their quality of life.
- Commission on Care: As the government moves toward establishing a Commission on Care for older people, the data from this survey will be critical in defining the scope of "care" to include social participation and independence, rather than just clinical needs.
- Housing for an Ageing Population: The consultation will likely highlight the need for "downsizing" or "right-sizing" options, as well as the necessity for universal design in new housing developments to allow people to age in place.
Advocates argue that for too long, policy for older people has been "done to them" rather than "designed with them." This shift toward a co-design model is a central theme of the current initiative. Inferred reactions from within the NGO sector suggest that this move is seen as a necessary step toward achieving the goals set out by the United Nations Principles for Older Persons, which emphasize independence, participation, care, self-fulfillment, and dignity.
Chronology of the Consultation Process
The timeline for this initiative is designed to be deliberative and impactful:
- Initial Planning (Late 2023 – Early 2024): Age Action and ISCP identify the need for a collaborative approach to policy advocacy and begin the selection process for a research partner.
- Launch Phase (2024): The survey is officially opened to the public, with a nationwide awareness campaign launched through community centers, local radio, and digital platforms.
- Data Collection Period (Current – September 2025): Mosaic Social Impact manages ongoing submissions. This period includes targeted outreach to marginalized groups and regional "town hall" style discussions (expected to be announced) to supplement the survey data.
- Closing Date (September 19, 2025): The final deadline for all submissions, including digital and telephone responses.
- Analysis and Reporting (Late 2025 – Early 2026): Mosaic Social Impact will compile a comprehensive report detailing the findings, which will then be used by Age Action and the ISCP to draft a "Charter for Older People’s Participation."
- Legislative Advocacy (2026 and Beyond): The findings will be presented to the Oireachtas and relevant government departments to influence the 2027 budget and future national development plans.
Addressing the Digital and Social Divide
A unique aspect of this consultation is its dual-access approach. By providing a telephone submission option (01 203 0737), the organizers are directly addressing the "digital divide" that often prevents the most vulnerable older people from participating in public life. In Ireland, approximately 25% of people aged 65-74 and over 50% of those aged 75 and over have never used the internet, according to some estimates. By removing the requirement for digital literacy, the consultation ensures that the "silent generation" is given a platform.
Furthermore, the consultation seeks to address "social invisibility." Many older people report that as they age, they feel less relevant to society and that their opinions are less valued by younger policymakers. This initiative is a formal rejection of that trend, positioning older people as "experts by experience" whose input is essential for the healthy functioning of a democratic society.
Broad Impact and Long-term Implications
The broader impact of this initiative extends beyond the immediate concerns of the elderly. By creating a template for how a specific demographic can build a "stronger voice," Age Action and the ISCP are contributing to a more robust model of participatory democracy in Ireland. The outcomes of this study could potentially be replicated by other advocacy groups representing different sectors of society.
For the individual participant, the consultation offers a rare opportunity to influence the trajectory of the nation. Whether the issue is the availability of public transport in rural Mayo, the cost of home care in Dublin, or the lack of age-friendly spaces in local parks, the survey provides a direct line to the heart of policy-making.
As the deadline of September 19, 2025, approaches, the focus will remain on maximizing participation. The success of this initiative will ultimately be measured not just by the volume of responses, but by the tangible changes in Irish law and social structure that follow. For now, the message from Age Action and the ISCP is clear: the future of aging in Ireland is a collective responsibility, and it begins with ensuring that every older person has the opportunity to be heard.
Those wishing to participate can find the survey at the Mosaic Social Impact consultation page: https://www.mosaicsocialimpact.ie/consultation. Alternatively, responses can be submitted by telephone at 01 203 0737. The organizations encourage not just older people, but also their families, caregivers, and community representatives to contribute to this vital national dialogue.
