The current pandemic has highlighted the need for a government department dedicated to older people.
That's according to the chief executive of IRD Duhallow, Maura Walsh.
The community based charity says a minister for older people could prioritise issues such as the need for warmer homes, increased sheltered housing, the provision of hot meals, increased community response and more health centres.
Elderly people make up the vast proportion of Covid-19 related deaths in Ireland with figures from the start of May showing 956 people over the age of 80 died after contracting the virus.
Speaking to RedFM News, Maura Walsh says rural depopulation has hit Duhallow more than most areas - press PLAY
