Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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41. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will consider developing an age friendly mark which could be adopted by both public and private bodies, which would contain a commitment to specific measures that would facilitate full participation by older people in activities and services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37634/24]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Government is committed to supporting older people to access timely, high-quality, person-centred, integrated care in the most appropriate setting and to supporting positive ageing across the lifecourse.

In delivering my department's mission of supporting and enabling individuals to achieve their potential in Irish society, we are guided by our Customer Charter which sets out the standards of service we commit to for all our customers regardless of differences including age..

Our Intreo offices are accessible to all and most contain self-service desks, with trained staff providing digital customer service to those who don't have online access or who need extra support with online applications. We have piloted Quiet Rooms in two Intreo offices, to provide a space for customers who would prefer to interact with us seated and in a calm and private environment. Quiet rooms will be rolled out to all Intreo Offices by the end of Q1 2025. We are also introducing JAM (Just A Minute) cards in the coming weeks, which will assist us in providing a quality service for people with a hidden disability or communication barrier who need extra time and understanding.

My department has a team of Access Officers who assist customers access our services and buildings where additional support is required. In terms of document and website accessibility, my department follows international guidelines on using plain language and recommended text, layout etc.

In relation to the development of an age friendly mark, I am aware that Age Friendly Ireland already operates such an approval mark for both public and private bodies who meet the required standards and engage in specific training. Age Friendly Ireland coordinates 35 local Age Friendly programmes across each local authority area in Ireland and has representation at Assistant Secretary level from a number of government departments on its National Advisory Group.

My department is currently engaging with this organisation to seek its involvement in our Customer Representative Forum, which also includes Age Action and Alone, and to explore how we might engage further to benefit our older customers.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.