DCU Age-Friendly University’s submission to the Department of Health consultation on the new Healthy Ireland Framework was informed by a public webinar hosted by DCU Age-Friendly University on Wednesday, 15 April. The webinar invited participants to share their views on the future direction of health and wellbeing policy in Ireland, with particular attention to ageing, inclusion, participation, and equitable access to health supports.
The Department of Health is developing a new Healthy Ireland Framework to guide national health and wellbeing policy over the coming years. As part of the public consultation process, DCU Age-Friendly University gathered perspectives from participants with lived experience, professional knowledge, and community-based expertise.
The discussion addressed several key areas, including awareness of Healthy Ireland, the needs of older adults and under-served groups, factors affecting health and well-being, barriers to participation, and priorities for the next ten years. Participants also reflected on the need for more inclusive consultation processes, clearer communication, stronger community engagement, and greater recognition of the social conditions that shape health across the life course.
The DCU Age-Friendly University submission brings these insights together as a contribution to national policy development. It reflects DCU AFU’s continued commitment to age-friendly practice, lifelong learning, civic engagement, and evidence-informed public discussion.
The submission can be found below:
