Budget 2026: Advocacy groups for older people seek pension rise

Advocacy groups are hoping for a renewed focus on the elderly in Budget 2026.

The importance of looking after the elderly into the future is evidenced by figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO), which is predicting that the numbers of those aged 65 or older will increase by 140% by 2057.

As far as Budget 2026 is concerned, in its pre-budget submission Age Action Ireland is calling for the state pension to be increased in line with growing incomes in Ireland.

They are also calling for targeted supports for older people, who are particularly vulnerable to poverty, especially those living alone.

Camille Loftus, head of advocacy and public affairs at Age Action Ireland, said the elderly are really concerned about things like meeting energy costs.

“What a load of older people are really worried about now is that the pension is not adequate to meet their costs.

“People have been left with a pension that is inadequate and an absence of any other supports to help them meet their costs.”

Ms Loftus added: “A sensible plan for the future would benchmark the pension and set up an independent body that would be able to advise government on what is the best way to ensure the pensions are financed on a sustainable basis into the future.”

Age Action Ireland is also hoping that Budget 2026 can help towards advancing the goal of delivering a quality and safe statutory homecare scheme.

Paddy O’Brien, a Cork advocate for the elderly, told The Echo that the issues impacting the elderly need to be reflected in the 2026 budget.

“The hardship being experienced by large numbers of our senior citizens must be given greater consideration in the budget.

“Many elderly people are struggling on a daily basis, especially those people who live alone.”

“The current weekly payment must be increased,” he added.

“The Government now has an opportunity to improve the quality of life for our senior citizens, by announcing a substantial increase in the weekly payment.”