News
CURRENT STATUS OF THE INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS PROVISIONS IN RESPECT OF PENSION ENTITLEMENTS OF RETIRED WORKERS BILL 2021 (THE BILL)
We, as an organisation are only as good as our members and we genuinely need your input and voice at local and constituency level. While, we at national level, meet with TDs and present to the various Committees, without your back up at local level, our message is diluted. The real power to influence comes through your voice and engagement with your TD at local level. IT IS YOUR VOTE THEY WISH TO SECURE.
The current Government are concerned at their fall in popularity, so more than ever, they are paying attention to their constituents and what they are saying. Remember, older people make up a high percentage of voters.
We have campaigned heavily for the proposed Bill that will give occupational pensioners a voice. Currently, they are experiencing loss of their income, without having any say in these agreements. (THE INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS PROVISIONS IN RESPECT OF PENSION ENTITLEMENTS OF RETIRED WORKERS BILL 2021) (THE BILL)
We have successfully worked with politicians to move this Bill through first and second stage and are now waiting on the Bills Office to agree if it needs a Money Message.
In short, a Money Message was established to ensure Government spending was adhered to when Bills are being introduced and is in keeping with the proposed Government spending plan. However, all too often, this Money Message is used to BLOCK A BILL the Government do not want to pass.
We have the full support of the opposition parties, plus many, many TDs have told us they do not agree with the inequality of older people having no voice in this crucial issue. As you will have seen in the recent News in Brief, we had a great turnout in the AV Room when we presented to TDs. Many told us they attended as their own constituents had asked them to. We also had TDs suggesting cross party work to get the Bill through the process.
Two days later, after this event, we know the Bill was referred for a Money Message. We ask you to email, or write to your TD, or if you could call into their constituency office and have a chat to help us ensure the Bill progresses to the next stage.
Update provided by Sue Shaw.
Photo taken in AV Room in Government Buildings on 4th November 2025 attended by a range of both Opposition and Government TDs
50 Plus Show Dublin RDS
Pop along to our stand. Our Members along with our CEO and staff look forward to meeting with you.
The organisers, Senior Times, have provided this invite link: https://seniortimes.ie/50-plus-expo/
The link gives instructions on how to register.
For our members who may struggle with using links, the following has been taken from the invite.
“Is There An Admission Fee?
No, all our events are FREE ADMISSION by registering with us below. Simply go to the event you want to attend listed below and click on the Blue Circle Button. Let us know which day you want to attend and for how many people and you will automatically receive a confirmation email. Nearer the event you will be sent updates on exhibitors and presentations taking place as well as first option on booking one of our free workshops.“
Alternative ways of booking: you can email Senior Times using this link: Email us here or email brian@slp.ie or call 01 496 9028
National Protest
As fellow members of the Community and Voluntary Pillar we support Disability Federation Ireland in their efforts.
Dear colleagues, Over the last few months, DFI have been working hard to highlight the reality of the “Cost of Disability” We have joined with others to call for a €400 Emergency Disability Payment to replace what was taken away from disabled people in Budget 2026. We have presented the data. We’ve stood outside Leinster House. We have written the submissions. We have met with the Ministers. And while we seem to have won the public argument, the government response has been to double down and refuse to acknowledge the financial challenge that many people with disability find themselves facing. That’s why, on Saturday 28 February, we are supporting disabled people to have their voices heard. We are working to with our partners at IWA and Access for All to make sure that the Government cannot disregard the lived experience of people with disabilities. These demonstrations are the result of the hard work and determination of our community, our partners, and disabled people across the country. It’s important to mobilise as many as possible to make sure our demands are heard. The Government has asked disabled people to wait until 2027 for a permanent solution. But as we know, poverty does not pause. With utility arrears rising and inflation biting, the “gap” they have created is dangerous. Support the campaign We have created a very simple form (it takes 30 seconds) where you can: Confirm you are happy to support the campaign. Confirm you are happy to use your logo in supporting organisations. Deadline: Please complete this form by COB Friday 20 February. Complete the form: http://web.disability-federation.ie/cn/aiafm/emergencypayment Join us on 28 February A protest is a numbers game. A small gathering is easily ignored. It’s harder to look away from a large crowd. I am asking our colleagues and members who are able to do so, to join us at the Garden of Remembrance at 1 pm. We need allies. So if you can: Bring your partner. Bring your housemates. Bring your neighbours. Bring your friends. We know that for many, protesting is a massive logistical and physical burden. Many cannot make it due to the lack of transport or the physical toll it takes. We need our friends and families to fill the space for those who cannot be there. The Plan When: Saturday 28 February at 1pm. Where: Garden of Remembrance, Dublin. What: A visible demand for an Emergency Disability Payment. I know that attending a protest takes time, energy, and planning. But this is a significant moment for the movement. Let’s turn up, let’s be loud, and let’s make sure they can’t look away. See our flyer for more information below and here. See you there.   Kind regards,  Elaine Teague CEO Disability Federation of Ireland |