Budget 2021 is a missed opportunity to create an ‘Age-Friendly’ Ireland. That’s according to Active Retirement Ireland, the country’s largest representative organisation for older people.
Commenting today (13.10.20) Maureen Kavanagh CEO of Active Retirement Ireland said: “Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and the Green Party committed in their Programme for Government to build a society that properly values older people – a society where older people can live full and active lives in their communities. However, Budget 2021 falls short on delivering that society.
“Older people have been particularly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. They have been forced to isolate from family and friends and limit social interactions. This budget was an opportunity to ensure the supports older people need are properly resourced. However, we are disappointed the government missed this opportunity. We are especially disappointed the government did not increase the state pension. Older people are spending more time at home as a result of the pandemic, which is leading to an increase in heating bills, an increase in the state pension would have helped older people deal with the rise in the cost of living. “Active Retirement Ireland recognises the government is dealing with a challenging economic environment, but small increases in supports for older people would have made a big difference in helping to create an ‘Age-Friendly’ Ireland. The government now needs to reassert itself in its commitment to build a society that properly values older people.”
