News
Ageing During the Pandemic
As we move towards re-opening, many of our members are excited about returning to some level of “normality”. We recognise, however, that there are also members who are anxious and worried about the easing of restrictions. We are here to support all members and we call on all in society to act with kindness and compassion.
Older people have experienced great difficulty throughout the pandemic in terms of cocooning, loneliness, isolation, worry, health concerns etc. Two members of our Executive, President Imelda Browne and Manus O’Donnell spoke to the Irish Examiner recently about their experiences.
Imelda discussed her experiences of ageing throughout the pandemic in terms of not being able to visit her mother who was in a nursing home. Imelda also acknowledged that some of our members were uncomfortable with public transport and that there is an element of fear.
I was involved in a lot of things in the community — that has been taken away from me for no reason other than my age
Manus O’Donnell to the Irish Examiner
Manus O’Donnell shared his thoughts on the detrimental impact on older people’s independence, wellbeing and sense of self as a result of the pandemic. Manus spoke about being unable to hug his grandchildren and actively participate in community activities as he had pre-pandemic. Health was another topic covered by Manus, most notably in relation to having been previously diagnosed with cancer and not being able to attend regular clinical visits which is of course a worry.
As we stated in Telling it like it is (a report carried out with Age Alliance) older people have been severely and negatively impacted throughout Covid-19. We want each of our members to know that we are here to support them. We know that the last 22 months have been difficult for our members and we acknowledge that there are mixed feelings as we move towards the next phase of the pandemic.
Insurance Update
Thoughout 2021 we have heard from concerned members about their high insurance premiums which we believe have been based soleley on age. We have contacted insurance companies and advocated for fairer policies in the hope of eliminating premiums based on age discrimination. We have also been in contact with MEPs to champion our cause and to push for the introduction of anti age discriminatory insurance legislation at an EU level.
The overall response from MEPs has been poor, however, both Clare Daly and Grace O’Sullivan have been in regular contact with us on this matter.
We’re delighted to say that on our behalf Clare Daly (MEP) is working on the following:
- Raised the issue with relevant parliament committees
- Pushing the Commission for answers
- Communicating with Dail colleagues
- Written to the Minister for Finance on the matter
At Clare’s request Catherine Connolly (TD) asked the Department of Finance if it was playing any role in relation to insurance premiums. The written response received referred mostly to complaint procedures if a person feels they have been treated unfairly and makes reference to insurance feedback services.
Grace O’Sullivan (MEP) has supported us by seeking a written answer from the EU Commission on the Horizontal Anti- Discrimination Directive and we have received confirmation that
“as indicated in the Work Programme for 2022, the Commission has committed to propose a new legislation in the area of equality to strengthen the role of Equality Bodies by setting minimum standards on the role and the independence of Equality Bodies in the European Union” European Commission
We intend to continue to tackle rising insurance premiums throughout 2022 and as always we want to hear from you about your experiences.
Happy Christmas
Sue, Grace, Una, Elaine and our Executive would like to wish each of you a very happy Christmas.
We are very grateful to all of our members for their support this year and we look forward to continuing to act as your voice and represent older people in Ireland in 2022.
The ISCP will close for Christmas on the 22nd of December and reopen on the 4th of January.
Press Release: Our Pledge Against Gender Based Violence
As part of the White Ribbon Campaign organised by the Men’s Development Network, our CEO Sue Shaw participated in a video outlining her pledge to never commit, condone or remain silent against gender based violence.
We were delighted to be asked to participate in this important initiative.
