Our 2019 Social Policy Conference

The Challenges of Success – Addressing Population Growth in Ireland

Ireland's growing and ageing population is a success story.

We have one of the youngest populations in Europe, with a comparatively high birth rate. Advances in healthcare provision and healthier food, an increased awareness of wellbeing, and improved standards of living more generally have led to low infant mortality rates and increased life expectancy.

But these improvements are not being experienced equally by all groups in Irish society, and they bring with them challenges in many policy areas.

In the first of a series of conferences on Ireland's changing demography, we focus on children and older people:

• What demographic trends can we expect to see over the coming decades?
• How can we harness the 'demographic dividend' that comes with having one of the youngest populations in Europe?
• What are the biggest policy challenges around accommodation and care that Ireland will face as older people make up an increasingly higher proportion of our population?
• What policies are needed to support these two cohorts and what solutions are available to meet the challenges brought on by our own success?

Slides and papers from each of the presenters will be on this page next week, along with videos of each presentation from the day.

Agenda:

Introduction and Welcome:
Dr. Seán Healy, Social Justice Ireland
        
Setting the Scene - Demographic Change in Ireland
James Hegarty, Central Statistics Office

Rebuilding Ireland for Everyone                           
Colette Bennett, Social Justice Ireland
Seán Moynihan, ALONE

The Kids are Alright... Aren't They?
Roddy Doyle, Author
Dr. Elizabeth Nixon, Trinity College Dublin

Living Well in Our Community
Dr. Diarmuid O'Shea, IGS and St. Vincent's Hospital

Wrap Up and Final Thoughts
Dr. Seán Healy, Social Justice Ireland

Author Roddy Doyle was among the speakers at our 2019 Social Policy Conference: The Challenges of Success - Addressing Population Growth in Ireland. Check back here later this for the videos and papers.