News
March for Emergency Winter Disability Payment – 28 February
As fellow members of the Community and Voluntary Pillar we support Disability Federation Ireland in their efforts.
DFI Website: https://www.disability-federation.ie/news/latest/2026/02/06/march-for-emergency-winter-disability-payment-28-f/
Extract from DFI Website – “Since Budget 2026, our coalition, has campaigned for a €400 Emergency Winter Payment to replace targeted financial supports stopped in Budget 2026. These were measures provided by government over three consecutive budgets from 2023-2025 and their loss is having a major impact this year.
We warned Government of this impact, with people living in freezing homes, and debt rising, with arrears felt long past the winter months.
The government has chosen to ignore those warnings, citing “fiscal sustainability” while sitting on a record surplus.
The campaign has become a national movement with disabled people, organisations and supporters coming from all across teh country to get behind the demand.
That’s why we’re asking you to save the date for a major national protest..
Date: Saturday, 28 February
Time: Assembly at 1pm
Start: Garden of Remembrance, Dublin
End: The Customs House
Why we’re marching
We are marching because thousands of people with disabilities are currently up to €1,400 worse off following Budget 2026. People deserve more than being forced to choose between heating their homes and eating a meal.
Please mark your calendars and bring your banners. We need disabled people, families, allies and anyone interested in equality to make our voices heard.
More details on accessibility and speakers will follow soon.”
Link to Cost of Disability Factsheet: https://www.disability-federation.ie/assets/files/pdf/cost_of_disability_-_final_polish_2.pdf
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Launching the first Age-Friendly AI Training co-created with and for older adults at Moate Library
Moate, County Westmeath, IRELAND – February 25, 2026 – The national Age-Friendly AI initiative led by TU Dublin and the Research Ireland ADAPT Centre, which is dedicated to making Artificial Intelligence (AI) accessible and relevant for older adults across Ireland, announces the launch of the first Age-Friendly AI Training designed with and for older adults.
For the past year, older people from across Ireland have shared their hopes, concerns and ideas about Artificial Intelligence. The project team has used the insights to develop a training programme that is meaningful and relevant for older people.
“We’ve listened to what older people around Ireland told us, and we’ve developed the training to reflect what they would like to learn about AI and how it impacts on their day-to-day lives” said Dr Emma Clarke from the Research Ireland ADAPT Centre. “We’re looking forward to welcoming people to Moate Library to explore the topic together in an interactive way”.
The workshop will feature training materials, presentations, videos and hands-on AI demonstrations. This training will be rolled out across the country later this year in collaboration with public libraries under the national Skills For Life programme.
A participant from a recent Age-Friendly AI workshop in Dublin said: “I felt that I wasn’t alone. That all my age cohorts are equally anxious but not afraid. It is a great sharing experience and was very well facilitated.”
How to attend The workshop takes place in Moate Library on the 25th of February at 11.00. Spaces are limited. Please register your interest directly with Moate Library
About the Age-Friendly AI Initiative: ‘Age-Friendly AI’ is a two-year national project, led by TU Dublin and the ADAPT Centre and supported by age-focused organisations. It is funded by Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland’s Discover Programme. Its mission is to bridge the AI knowledge gap, ensure digital inclusion and guarantee that the experiences and opinions of older adults are taken into consideration in shaping the future of AI driven technology, products and services. Find more information on the project website: https://agefriendlyai.ie/ or email patricia.luchafarina@adaptcentre.ie
Christmas Greetings
The office will be closed from Wednesday 24th December. It will reopen on Tuesday 6th January 2026.
If required – CEO Pat Mellon can be contacted by email at pat@seniors.ie or on mobile no 087 4303342
Blister Packs/Phased Dispensing
Thank you to Lina Ryan of Morning Call programme and Tipp Mid West Radio for covering this item.
Listen back to the piece where our CEO Pat Mellon speaks with Lina Ryan about the issue, please use this link https://www.tippmidwestradio.com/2023/10/02/morning-call-playlist/
The programme aired on Tuesday 16th December 2025, Pat’s interview starts at approximately 47 minutes in.
If you have heard other pieces on Community Radio stations please contact us at development@Seniors.ie
Our attempts to have this issue reviewed, modified and preferably scrapped fell on deaf ears through official channels. It is business as usual in Ireland where people must reveal personal circumstances to have their voices heard, it was only when people raised it on RTE1 Radio’s Liveline programme to get traction and a better understanding of the detrimental effect on those who need the service most.
Many individuals, both members and non-members have been in touch with us in recent weeks about the issue. The pause in commencement date gives Government the space to review in a meaningful way, we urge them to see sense and not waste the three month they have to get it right.