Fine Gael calls for 'freshers week' for older people

The party’s 10 proposals to the Commission on Care for Older People include the establishment of a "County Freshers’ Week" each September to "connect retiring people to opportunities"

By: irishmirror.ie

Sep 04 2024
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Fine Gael calls for 'freshers

"Freshers weeks" for older people, a housing trust and a "Commissioner for Positive Ageing" would be introduced under policies suggested by the 'Fine Gael Policy Lab'.

The proposals are contained in the party’s submissions to the Commission on Care for Older People.

The party’s 10 proposals include the establishment of a "County Freshers’ Week" each September to "connect retiring people to opportunities".

Fine Gael also suggested a Commissioner for Positive Ageing to "track progress in delivering a vision of Positive Ageing for Ireland" and an "audited age-friendly mark" for clubs, businesses and "any premises open to the public".

Other suggestions include mandating the Workplace Relations Commission to enhance workplace practice around flexible exit options, a “Positive Ageing Community Innovation Fund” and a Homecare Development Agency.

Fine Gael TD Richard Bruton said that Irish people are living longer and the country has one of the longest life expectancies in Europe.

"The growing number of older people brings wonderful opportunities for our country," he said.

"However, we are not treating this demographic change with the seriousness or urgency that it deserves.

"The demographic change facing Ireland, which will see our population grow older, should compel us to tackle this policy challenge with urgency and enthusiasm.

"We need to recognise that life after retirement can be connected, active, and independent, just as it was for people before."

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