“This level of population ageing will be associated with higher levels of disability and long-term ill-health and now is the time for planning and investment.”

Social Justice Ireland argue investment will yield significant returns in terms of both employment and productivity, and will also address two of the largest infrastructural deficits in Ireland today.

“This is not the time for tax cuts. All available resources should be used to address Ireland’s major deficits in areas such as caring, housing and poverty."