Active Retirement Ireland

“Changing Attitudes towards the European Union”

Maureen Kavanagh – Chief Executive Officer

A national network of 560+ local organisations.

Each self-managed and run by older people for older people.

24,500+ members across 9 regions. Mission: “to reach out to all older people to

stop loneliness through friendship and support”.

Members of AGE-Platform Europe since 2009.

Active Retirement Ireland

The current generation of older people (55+) have strong memories of Ireland pre-1973.

Post-colonial, inwardly-focussed, Pre-EEC Ireland was an unequal and unfair society.

As an example, the so-called “marriage bar” was in effect – a policy that has cost a generation of women their own pension rights.

Irish equality legislation, including ageism, was practically non-existent prior to EEC membership.

Older People and the EU

Older people have seen the EU bring massive improvements to Irish infrastructure.

The “new roads” that have preserved rural Ireland by attracting business and investment are due to EU support.

The ESF funded communities, childcare, youth projects and more all over Ireland.

Farmers saw improvements in the standard of living.

Older People and the EU

Not all positive, however. The dreaded “regulations” – more feared

than necessary at times. Straight bananas never really happened,

despite our fears. Perception at times that MEPs and

Commissioners were “over there” and out of touch.

The bailout and recession were seen as EU “outsiders” wielding influence.

Older People and the EU

The biggest recent changes by far, were changes in perception.

Europe became open to older people. Tourism has rejuvenated rural and urban areas

in Ireland and provided opportunities for Irish older people to see the continent in its entirety.

“Flexicurity” of pensions makes Ireland a retirement destination and allows some Irish people to retire abroad.

MEPs organise trips to Brussels and Strasbourg for Active Retirement Associations.

Older People and the EU

We have changed our attitudes over the last 32 years, but there is still more to do.

The EU can regain the trust of older people through the role they play in equality legislation.◦ Ireland’s ageism law is non-existent. EU has a

strong role to play here. EU can take the lead in ensuring older

people’s voices are heard in Tourism, Consumer Protection, Health Policy and Human Rights.

The Challenges Ahead