The Irish Senior Citizens' Parliament has called for its full recognition as a social partner in the upcoming partnership agreement.
The call was made yesterday at the annual meeting of the parliament, which has more than 90,000 members and 325 affiliates.
Many of the motions at the meeting referred to health issues, and proposed equality of services for cancer treatment as well as breast, prostate and osteoporosis screening throughout the State and for all ages.
The parliament's president, Peter Sands, said the Programme for Government stated that the parliament would receive full recognition as a social partner in the current agreement.
However, it appeared that the parliament was to be part of a grouping described as the community and voluntary pillar.
Effective delivery of health services had been a source of serious concern for members, he said.
Hospital admission due to alcohol abuse had risen and alcohol abuse was having a serious effect on A&E attendance and admissions. These were the real "bed blockers", he said.
Michael O'Halloran, chief executive officer, said the parliament should be well prepared for the upcoming partnership agreement. This would be the first opportunity to make an impact and play a full part.
Honorary secretary Sylvia Meehan referred to the withholding of pensions from patients in nursing homes.
To applause, she said: "What I missed in all the writing and discussions was that there was no apology made to older people. Many people not only died in the long-stay care homes, but quite a number of people found they had to sell their homes. But it is not just the loss of property, it is the sheer dismissal of human rights and dignity."
One of the motions proposed continuing the campaign for full public transport, particularly in rural areas, where many older people were isolated.
Others include a call for an ombudsman for older persons to investigate complaints about treatment of patients.Christine Newman