Sir, – I refer to the letter of Brian O’Brien, and his being “surprised at older people and pensioners’ expressions of annoyance and dissatisfaction with the latest budget” (Letters, October 8th).
This contribution to the residual, if subtle, ageism pervading Irish society does us all a disservice.
The Government reneged on their commitment made under the 2018 Roadmap for Pensions to raise the State pension to 34 per cent of the average wage to ensure that the fixed income of elders keeps some pace with the cost of living. The maximum State pension, currently at €299.30, would be €355.93, based on the average industrial wage of €1,046.88 published by the Central Statistics Office.
The number of people aged 65 and over now stands at 891,000, accounting for 16.1 per cent of the population. The recent Survey on Income and Living Conditions indicates that more than 122,400 elders were living in poverty in 2025, an increase of 15 per cent compared with 2024.
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After a life of work, contributing to the building of the present wealthy Ireland, older people, or elders – to use a more positively perceived label for this age – have merited the right to live in older age with dignity.
Not least, our elders have contributed to raising and educating their children to adulthood, thereby creating generations of fantastic young Irish people that have been a cornerstone of the betterment of the Irish nation, even if somewhat regrettably, also of countries abroad through the Irish diaspora, many of whom today are again being forced into economic emigration.
Where is the dignity in not being able to heat one’s home? Or having to choose between paying utility bills and affording sufficient groceries, or whether or not to access healthcare, to socialise with friends or, dare I mention, taking a holiday, all of which are now becoming luxuries? Where is the dignity in loneliness? – Yours, etc,
STEVE PETHERBRIDGE,
Vice-president,
Irish Senior Citizens Parliament,
Swords,
Co Dublin.
