Third Age

Lobbying Organisation Third Age

Date published 07 May, 2025

Relevant Matter Public policy or programme

Public Policy Area Health

Period 1 Jan, 2025 to 30 Apr, 2025

Specific Details Calls to (1) publish and implement an evidence-based action plan to combat loneliness and isolation (2) introduce a system of benchmarking the State pension (3) scale up proven demonstrator models for housing for older people (4) implement a national campaign to combat ageism (5) support the establishment of an Independent Commissioner for Ageing and Older People.

Intended results (1) Promote awareness of key policy commitments relevant to our ageing population and (2) the value of an Independent Commissioner for Ageing and Older People in enhancing the capacity and capability of public services to address ageing and the challenges and opportunities arising.

Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity Áine Brady (CEO, Third Age), Paula O’Reilly (CEO, Irish Hospice Foundation), Maurice O’Connell (Chair, Alliance of Age Sector NGOs).

Did any Designated Public Official(DPO) or former Designated Public Official(DPO) carry out lobbying activities on your behalf in relation to this return? You must include yourself, and answer Yes, if you are a current DPO or a DPO at any time in the past. (What is a Designated Public Official?) No

Did you manage or direct a grassroots campaign? No

Was this lobbying done on behalf of a client? No

Lobbying activity

The following activities occurred for this specific Subject Matter Area.

Meeting (1)

Call for accelerated implementation of policy commitments relevant to positive ageing and services for older people. Representative of the Age Sector Alliance of NGOs met with Kieran O'Donnell, Minister of State for Older People and Housing, Tuesday 8 April 2025. Policy areas discussed were Policy Area: Positive ageing; Services for Older People; Ageism; Loneliness; Housing for Older People.

Designated public officials lobbied

The following DPOs were lobbied during this return period on this specific Subject Matter Area. These DPOs were involved in at least one of the Lobbying Activities listed above, but not necessarily all of them. As returns are specific to a Subject Matter Area the above Lobbying Activities may be associated with multiple returns.

Kieran O'Donnell Minister of State (Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage)