Budget 2026 secures substantial funding for older people services – O’Donnell

Budget 2026 contains substantial funding measures to support positive ageing and independent living for our older people, a Fine Gael Minister has said.

Kieran O’Donnell, Minister of State for Older People and Housing, secured funding increases which will assist in meeting the needs of our older people in the areas of housing and health in Budget 2026

Minister O’Donnell said: “Fine Gael and I as Minister with special responsibility for Older People are firmly committed to supporting older people to live full and independent lives, with the proper services in place.

“This is reflected in this year’s budget, with specific measures aimed at making a meaningful difference to the lives of our older people.

“A priority for Fine Gael is to enable individuals to continue living independently their own homes and communities for as long as possible.

“In health, we now have the largest ever budget for older persons services with a total allocation of over €3 billion. This represents a rise of 7% , or €215 million, on last year’s figure.

“Home support, a key priority for Fine Gael, will be allocated €82 million in extra funding, which supports people to live well in their own homes and communities. This funding will provide for an increase of 1.7 million hours in 2026, bringing the total allocation to 26.7 million hours.

“Over €2 million in additional funding for Meals on Wheels services, which is a priority for government. Of great benefit to thousands of older people, this is over a 30% increase in funding on 2025, which currently delivers 2.7 million meals to 18,000 people.

“€92 million of additional funding will be allocated to the Fair Deal scheme to support the nursing home sector to expand services and improve quality. It includes providing 500 more people with financial support to access long-term residential care.

Minister O’Donnell said measures contained in the Housing budget are also geared towards supporting positive ageing and independence for our older people.

“An increased funding allocation in Budget 2026 of €130m for grants to adapt homes of older people and people with a disability is a further positive step towards advancing this. “This represents a 30% increase on last year’s funding of €100m, and will support 17,000 applicants. A further €28.50m will support adaption works to 1,800 existing social homes.

“An increased capital allocation of €2.9 billion to support local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies in the delivery of newly built social homes will also help in meeting the housing needs of older people.

“Furthermore, we see a €10 increase per week for pensioners, in addition to a Christmas bonus.

“The income disregard for the Carer’s Allowance which will increase to €1,000 euro for a single person and €2,000 euro for a couple, will have a beneficial impact for applicants.

“To support those at risk of energy poverty, an increase in the weekly Fuel Allowance rate by €5 to €38; which will assist many older people.

“Government are committed to addressing the needs of older people, and I look forward to leading the work on this priority area on behalf of Fine Gael,” Minister O’Donnell concluded.