The Alliance of Age Sector NGOs (the Alliance) represents the collective thinking of seven significant NGOs working in the age sector. These include ALONE, Active Retirement Ireland, Age & Opportunity, The Alzheimer Society of Ireland, Irish Hospice Foundation, The Irish Senior Citizens Parliament and Third Age. This position paper advocates for the establishment of an Independent Commissioner for Ageing and Older People in Ireland.
The Alliance’s experience demonstrates significant numbers of older people have challenges relating to income, housing, health, transport, work, energy, education, and digital communications. The report highlights how there is an implementation deficit in relation to many of Ireland’s policy commitments relevant to ageing and older people. It advocates for an independent Commissioner, responsible for reviewing and overseeing the adequacy of legislation, policy formation and future planning, advising the government on matters concerning older people, and creating a positive ageing experience and supporting the ageing population. The case of both Northern Ireland and Wales, who established a similar Commissioner in 2011, demonstrate this is a cost-effective strategy and a key enabler to deliver an effective independent voice for older people.
