Active Retirement Ireland is deeply distressed by the findings of the ‘RTÉ Investigates’ programme that aired last night (4 June 2025) detailing the shocking neglect and abuse of older people in two privately run nursing homes in Ireland.
The charity — Ireland’s largest membership organisation for people who are retired and semi-retired — says that the footage gathered by RTÉ shines a spotlight on a fundamental and systemic lack of respect for older people in Ireland, and is calling on the government to implement a meaningful programme of action to counteract ageism in our society alongside a comprehensive, long-term strategy that ensures Irish people can age with dignity and respect.
Active Retirement Ireland National President Mai Quaid said: “It’s very distressing to think older people are being treated in such a disrespectful way. This cannot go unanswered and I trust the government will take action to stop such abuse.”
Active Retirement Ireland CEO Fran Brennan said: “The footage obtained by RTÉ of the appalling treatment of older people in private nursing homes in Portlaoise and Glasnevin is nothing short of disturbing and has rightly angered people across Ireland.
“What we saw in this programme raises huge concerns about the way older people are viewed and treated in this country and is a clear example of ageism and a total lack of respect for older people as human beings with the same rights as anyone else.
“Ageism is never harmless and as a country we need to adopt a zero-tolerance stance to this pervasive and damaging attitude to older people and ageing.
“Active Retirement Ireland has long called for the government to develop and put into action a whole of government strategy to ageing that allows all older people to age with dignity, respect and independence for as long as possible.
“Further, Active Retirement Ireland, as part of the Alliance of Age Sector NGOs, is calling on the government to establish an Independent Commissioner for Ageing and Older People to protect older people’s interests, rights and equality across all aspects of life.”
