The Alliance of Age Sector NGOs is calling on Government to appoint an Independent Commissioner for Ageing and Older People, and to relaunch a refreshed National Positive Ageing Strategy with a strong implementation and monitoring plan and a ring-fenced budget.

According to ‘Taking stock: Is Government keeping its commitments to older people?’, a review launched by the Alliance, implementation of policy relevant to our growing older adult population continues to be patchy or inconsistent.

This year’s Report and Score Card is the third edition in the series for the Alliance of Age Sector NGO’s. The review sets out the extensive range of policy commitments relevant to our ageing population as described in key Government publications and provides a summary of the progress made in the various areas.

This important review:

• Provides a ‘deep dive’ analysis of 17 thematic areas relevant to the lives of older people and an ageing population.
• Focuses in on 27 commitments made in respect of older people and rates the Government on its efforts in each of these areas.
• Identifies practical, evidence-based steps to support more effective policy implementation for Ireland’s over-65 population, including the growing number of people living with dementia and family carers.
• Reinforces the rationale for the establishment of an Independent Commissioner for Ageing and Older People.

Welcoming the report, Denise Charlton, Chief Executive of Community Foundation Ireland said:

Advancing equality and strengthening communities are central to our approach to strategic philanthropy. As proud partners of the Age Sector Alliance we welcome Taking Stock 2026 as an important contribution to positive ageing.

Download ‘Taking stock: Is Government keeping its commitments to older people?’ here.

The Age Sector Alliance

The Alliance of Age Sector NGOs (The Alliance) is a collective of eight significant NGOs working in the age sector. The member organisations include: Active Retirement Ireland, Age & Opportunity, ALONE, COPE Galway, Irish Hospice Foundation, Irish Senior Citizens Parliament, The Alzheimer Society of Ireland, and Third Age.

Community Foundation Ireland

Community Foundation Ireland mobilises strategic philanthropy to advance equality, strengthen communities and protect nature and the environment. Working with more than 5,000 voluntary, community and charitable partners, it provides expertise, knowledge and support to ensure effective giving and lasting social impact. Since 2000, more than €170 million has been distributed in support of its mission.