The consultation process is being facilitated by Mosaic Social Impact, a specialist consultancy firm recruited to manage the data collection and ensure the integrity of the findings. Participants are invited to share their views through a dedicated online survey or via telephone, ensuring that the process remains accessible to those who may face barriers to digital participation. This dual-approach methodology highlights the organizers’ commitment to inclusivity, recognizing the persistent digital divide that affects many older citizens in Ireland. The survey, which is described as brief and user-friendly, will remain open for an extended period, concluding on Friday, 19 September 2025. This long-term window for data collection suggests a strategic intent to capture a broad and deep sample of the Irish population, allowing for seasonal variations in concerns and the inclusion of those who may be harder to reach through traditional outreach methods.
The Strategic Importance of the Consultation
The launch of this consultation comes at a critical juncture for Irish society. As the nation grapples with various socioeconomic challenges, from the housing crisis to healthcare reform, the specific vulnerabilities and contributions of older people often require specialized advocacy. The collaboration between Age Action and the ISCP represents a unified front, combining Age Action’s research-driven advocacy with the ISCP’s extensive network of local senior citizen groups. The goal is to move beyond reactionary advocacy—where groups respond to government budgets or policy changes after they have been drafted—toward a proactive model where the lived experiences of older people shape policy from its inception.
According to the project organizers, the consultation is not limited to older people alone. While their voices are the priority, the call for input extends to community organizations, professional advocates, and any individuals with an interest in how Ireland manages the transition to an older demographic profile. This holistic approach acknowledges that ageing is a societal issue that affects intergenerational dynamics, caregiving structures, and the long-term sustainability of public services.
Demographic Background and Supporting Data
The necessity for such a robust consultation is underscored by Ireland’s rapidly changing demographic landscape. Data from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) indicates that Ireland has one of the fastest-ageing populations in Europe. While Ireland has historically been a relatively "young" country compared to its EU neighbors, the 2022 Census revealed a significant shift. The number of people aged 65 and over in Ireland grew by 22% between 2016 and 2022, reaching a total of 776,315 people. This cohort now represents approximately 15% of the total population, a figure that is projected to rise dramatically in the coming decades.
Projections from the Department of Finance and the CSO suggest that by 2051, there could be as many as 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" of increased longevity presents both opportunities and challenges. Without structured input from the elderly themselves, public policy risks failing to address the complexities of this shift. Issues such as pension adequacy, the provision of home care, the accessibility of public transport in rural areas, and the "right to age in place" (the ability to remain in one’s own home as one grows older) are all areas where current policy is under scrutiny.
Chronology of Engagement and Key Deadlines
The timeline for this initiative reflects a deliberate and phased approach to civic engagement. The collaboration began with the identification of a need for a more structured "voice" for older people within the Irish political system. Following the selection of Mosaic Social Impact as the independent facilitator, the survey was designed to be both comprehensive and accessible.
- Launch Phase: The initiative was publicized across national and local media, leveraging the networks of both Age Action and the ISCP to reach community centers, active retirement groups, and healthcare settings.
- Active Consultation Period: From the present through the summer of 2025, the organizations will continue to solicit responses. This period is intentionally long to allow for regional town hall meetings, focus groups, and deep-dive interviews that may supplement the quantitative survey data.
- Deadline for Submissions: The formal window for public input closes on Friday, 19 September 2025.
- Analysis and Reporting Phase: Following the deadline, Mosaic Social Impact will analyze the data to identify key themes, concerns, and recommendations.
- Policy Advocacy Phase: Late 2025 and early 2026 are expected to see the publication of a final report. This document will serve as a roadmap for both Age Action and the ISCP in their engagements with government ministers, the Oireachtas (Irish Parliament), and relevant state agencies.
Addressing the Digital Divide
One of the most significant aspects of this consultation is the provision of a telephone submission option. While digital transformation is a cornerstone of modern Irish public policy, statistics show that older adults remain the group most likely to be digitally excluded. According to Age Action’s own research, approximately 25% of people aged 65-74 and over half of those aged 75 and over do not use the internet. By providing a direct phone line (01 203 0737), the organizers are ensuring that the voices of the "offline" elderly—often the most vulnerable and reliant on state services—are not excluded from the conversation. This move aligns with broader calls for a "human-centric" approach to public service design, where digital tools complement rather than replace traditional methods of communication.
Official Responses and Inferred Implications
While the Irish government has not yet issued a formal statement regarding this specific consultation, the initiative aligns with the goals of the National Positive Ageing Strategy (NPAS). The NPAS, which was launched to promote the health and well-being of older people, emphasizes the importance of participation in social, economic, and cultural life. However, advocacy groups have frequently criticized the lack of a dedicated budget or an implementation plan for the strategy.
It is inferred that the results of this consultation will be used to pressure the government for more concrete actions. Potential areas of impact include:
- Healthcare Reform: Strengthening the case for a statutory right to home care, which would allow older people to avoid long-term residential care when possible.
- Financial Security: Providing evidence for the benchmarking of the State Pension against average earnings to protect against the rising cost of living.
- Housing Policy: Influencing the development of "age-friendly" housing schemes and grants for home modifications.
- Public Transport: Highlighting the need for improved rural connectivity to prevent social isolation.
Professional analysts suggest that the results could also influence the manifestos of political parties ahead of future general elections. In a democratic system, the "grey vote" is highly influential; older people have historically higher rates of voter turnout compared to younger cohorts. A unified policy platform, backed by the data from this consultation, would represent a formidable tool for political leverage.
Broader Impact and Global Context
The efforts of Age Action and the ISCP reflect a global movement toward recognizing the rights of older persons. The United Nations has designated 2021–2030 as the "Decade of Healthy Ageing," calling for governments to change how we think, feel, and act toward age and ageing. Central to this global mandate is the concept of "participation"—ensuring that older people have a seat at the table when policies are being drafted.
In the European context, Ireland’s initiative mirrors similar consultations in countries like Sweden and the Netherlands, which have long-established traditions of senior citizen councils. By formalizing this process through Mosaic Social Impact, Ireland is moving toward a more sophisticated model of participatory democracy. The final report generated from this survey will likely be cited in European-level discussions on demographic change and social cohesion.
Conclusion and Call to Action
The collaboration between Age Action and the Irish Senior Citizens Parliament is more than a simple survey; it is a fundamental inquiry into the value Irish society places on its older members. By inviting input until September 2025, the organizations are providing a significant window for the public to influence the future of Irish social policy. As the population continues to age, the insights gathered during this period will be essential for creating a society that is not just prepared for an older demographic, but one that actively celebrates and supports it.
Individuals wishing to participate are encouraged to visit the Mosaic Social Impact consultation page or to use the telephone service to ensure their perspectives are recorded. The organizers emphasize that every response, whether from an individual, a caregiver, or an organization, contributes to a clearer picture of what it means to age in Ireland today and what must be done to ensure a better future for all.
