Fine Gael guarantees older people a more secure future

Taoiseach and Fine Gael Leader Simon Harris has announced the party’s Older Person’s Guarantee which is a pledge to create a more secure future for older people.

The package includes financial supports and policy commitments including empowering older adults with the choice to remain in their communities and live independently in a way that best suits their needs. 

This will be possible through access to right-sized homes; safe exercise options; health care services and a range of financial supports for a more secure future.

Speaking at the launch Taoiseach and Leader of Fine Gael Simon Harris said;

“We are all growing older and Fine Gael wants Ireland to be the best country to support people to live long, healthy and fulfilled lives. We’ll do this by enhancing supports and well-being initiatives designed to improve quality of life and promote dignity and independence.

“Like everyone, older people have been feeling cost of living pressures and we want to help in the here and now. That’s why this month there was a €200 lump sum for pensioners getting the Living Alone Increase as well as a €300 lump sum to households in receipt of the Fuel Allowance. Our manifesto commits to further help by permanently lowering the qualifying age for the Household Benefits package from 70 to 66 so tens of thousands more older people will see their energy bills reduced by €420 a year. We are also committed to the State (contributory) Pension increasing to at least €350 per week over the lifetime of the next government.

“But we also need to think longer term and how we make the future more secure for older people and how we plan for society as we age. 

“Key to achieving this will be the appointment of a standalone Minister of State for Older People who will work cross-Government to address issues affecting older citizens and ensure their voices are heard. Fine Gael is also committing to appointing a Commissioner for Positive Ageing, and this role will advocate for the needs and rights of older citizens.

“Housing is a worry for many older people. That is why we will mandate local authorities to find suitable sites for housing specifically designed for older adults, ensuring accessible options within local communities. We will also simplifyConversion Rules, making it easier to convert houses into two flats, allowing older adults to continue living in familiar surroundings while adapting to changing needs.

“We are also committed to a 30% increase in the grant limits and a 25% increase in the income thresholds for the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People.

“Recognising the desire of families to have choices and feel supported when considering care options for their relatives we will publish, resource, and implement a national action plan to ensure long-term care is timely, comprehensive, and affordable.

“Ireland boasts one of the highest life expectancies in Europe, with significant improvements in mortality rates contributing to this achievement. However, as our population continues to age and grow, it is crucial to protect these gains by promoting healthy lifestyles, preventing chronic diseases, and reducing the impact of chronic conditions.

“Regular exercise is the single best intervention to stave off chronic illnesses, 80% of which are due to lifestyle behaviours. Fine Gael will task the Department of Health and Healthy Ireland to work with the health sector and key stakeholders including local authorities and Local Sports Partnerships, to devise a community based, ‘Exercise is Medicine’ programme. This would involve developing and rolling out a standardised, high quality and clinically safe exercise and strength programme, in group settings, targeted at people from age 55+ years, easily accessible in their community.”