News
ISCP invited to Oireachtas Joint Committee on AI and Older People
Our CEO Pat Mellon and MDO Sharon Casey represented ISCP on Tuesday 30th September 2025
ISCP was one of three organisations invited before Oireachtas Joint Committee on Artificial Intelligence and Older People. Pictured above from left to right are Pat Mellon – CEO ISCP; Sharon Casey – Membership Development Officer ISCP; Camille Loftus – Head of Advocacy & Public affairs Age Action; Deputy Malcolm Byrne – Cathaoirleach of Joint Committee on Artificial Intelligence; Dr. Aileen O’Reilly – Head of Research, Evaluation & Policy Alone; Niall Carroll – Volunteer Age Action, Seán Moynihan – CEO Alone
Watch the proceedings at: https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/oireachtas-tv/video-archive/committees/10595
Transcript of debate available here: https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/joint_committee_on_artificial_intelligence/2025-09-30/2/
Health Insurance – An ISCP Member’s story
If this keeps going, we’ll need a mortgage to pay our bill’ quote from Mick Casey, Treasurer of ISCP
Article by Sarah O’Mahony in Irish Independent Fri 26 Sep 2025 on three generations on the soaring cost of health insurance. For Full Article please see Irish Independent. Photo curtesy of Irish Independent.
“A retired couple have told how they are struggling to afford the cost of their health insurance cover, which is now almost €6,000 a year.
Health insurance premiums across the board are rising.
Last month, VHI became the third health insurer to announce a hike in premiums in the space of a few weeks.
The state-owned insurer will increase the cost of 50 of its plans by 3pc from the start of next month.
It followed Laya Healthcare’s announcement last month that it would increase the cost of a range of its plans by an average of 4.5pc from next month, although there are also some reductions.
Irish Life Health also said last month it would raise the cost of 99 of its plans by an average of 3pc from next month, adding up to €185 a year to a family’s cost of cover.
The Irish Independent spoke to three generations about their private health cover and whether they feel they are getting value for money.
‘An old-age pensioner shouldn’t be out of pocket’
Michael Casey (82) and his wife Geraldine (82) are currently paying €5,849 a year on their VHI premium.
The retired couple from Mullingar, Co Westmeath, are on the ProvidentCare Plus plan.
In March 2023, Mr Casey, who was a telecommunications employee with the ESB, had his health insurance plan with the semi-state company transfer to the equivalent VHI plan.
Currently, his premium is reduced by a 10.5pc subsidy from an ESB fund as part of his pension plan. The subsidy, which began at 100pc, has decreased incrementally over the past three years.
The drop in that subsidy has led to an increase in Mr Casey’s plan.
Additionally, the pensioner claims there has been significant inflation of VHI’s non-subsidised premium.
“Under my previous plan, I would have spent roughly €5,200 a year,” he said. “Since March 2023, that would mean a rise of €1,335 on the non-subsidised premium figure. If this keeps going, we would need a mortgage to pay our health insurance.”
A spokesperson for VHI said the increases in the couple’s plan are mainly attributed to the reduced ESB subsidy rather than a price increase from the provider itself. “The fact is that his ex-employer was paying and funding his scheme for the first two years effectively, on a reduced level as it went on, and now he is paying the full price,” they said.
‘I always say to the GP to put us on the public system, and we’ll go the private route'”
Positive Ageing Week
Message from ISCP CEO, Pat Mellon, for Positive Ageing Week.
Positive Ageing Week 2025 in Ireland, runs from the 29th September to 3rd October, it aims to promote the agency of older people and celebrate their invaluable contributions to society.
Understanding Ageism: A Three-Part Challenge
Ageism isn’t just about how others treat older people; it’s also about how we perceive ourselves.
How we think: These are the often-unconscious assumptions we make about people based on their and our age including how we view ourselves.
How we feel: This refers to the emotional and attitudinal reactions we have. This could be feeling pity for an older person or viewing them or yourself as a burden.
How we act: This is when thoughts and feelings lead to actions that disadvantage someone because of their age. A common example is mandatory retirement policies that force people out of their jobs, despite their skills and desire to continue working. The I.S.C.P. have, and are, fighting mandatory retirement at a national level and have appeared before Oireachtas Joint Committee’s on this discriminatory practice.
As a member of the Irish Seniors Citizens Parliament, you can, and will be powerful agents of change by actively reframing these beliefs and behaviours. Here’s how you can get involved and make a difference:
Challenge Self-Directed Ageism
Many people internalise ageist stereotypes, leading to a negative self-perception of aging. This is known as self-directed ageism. To combat this, you can:
Embrace new skills: Take a course, learn a new language, or master a digital skill. Many libraries and community centres across Ireland offer free or low-cost classes specifically for older adults. Both DCU Age Friendly University and UCD lifelong learning Dept’s are members of the I.S.C.P. and we encourage you to engage to learn new skills and meet new people.
Stay active and engaged: Participate in local sports clubs, walking groups, or volunteer for a cause you care about. Local sports partnerships often run programs like ‘Go for Life Games’ and ‘Activator Walking’ to promote physical activity among older adults.
Share your story: campaign. By sharing your personal experiences and contributions, you challenge the narrative that older people are passive or disengaged. Give your voice to change
Be Advocate for Change: Your voice and lived experience are essential in shaping a more age-equal society.
Raise awareness: Speak out against ageist language or jokes when you hear them. Explain the harm that such stereotypes can cause.
Engage with policy: Support and promote not only the work the Irish Senior Citizens Parliament do, but actively encourage membership as either an individual or as a group, The ISCP welcome all groups be they book clubs or diversity and equality groups or rural social groupings. Join with us in advocating for policies that address age discrimination, such as campaigning against mandatory retirement.
Participate in local initiatives: Get involved with your local Age-Friendly Programme. These programs work to make communities more inclusive for people of all ages.
By taking these steps, Irish senior citizens won’t just be celebrating Positive Ageing Week; they’ll be leading the charge in creating a more inclusive, respectful, and vibrant Ireland for every generation.
The deadline to register and update your details for in-person voting for the presidential election is Tuesday 7 October 2025.
Have you moved address? Changing your address for Electoral Register might have slipped your mind.
For those who prefer to use online options please check out: https://www.electoralcommission.ie/register-to-vote/
If you prefer not to, or are unable to update your details or change your address using checktheregister.ie you should contact your local authority. They will be able to update your details using an ERF1 Form
If you have an illness or disability which prevents you from going to your polling station to vote on polling day you have the option to register for a postal vote. The deadline is earlier, at 22 days before polling day for Presidential Election.
PV2 – Application for postal vote due to illness or disability available at : https://www.checktheregister.ie/en-IE/forms