Older people from Lucan and Palmerstown were out in force to attend a legal information session hosted by Cllr. Emer Higgins, General Election candidate for Fine Gael. The event heard from solicitor Anne-Marie Dermody about legal rights and entitlements around wills and powers of attorney. Cllr. Emer Higgins said she arranged the information session to help older people access legal information. The event was well attending showing a real need for information sessions like this in our community, she said.
Speaking at the event held in Kenny’s of Lucan, Cllr. Emer Higgins said, “I got involved in politics because I want to make a difference to society. Part of that means making Ireland a place people age with security, opportunity and dignity. I want people to be able to enjoy their retirement, that means minimising financial stress. I want people to have security of knowledge that if or when they need support, services or additional healthcare; that these will be there for them. I want everyone to have access to social supports – clubs, classes and associations that help combat isolation. Funding is critical for that and so too is access to information on legal rights and entitlements – and that’s what this workshop was all about.”
Solicitor Anne-Marie Dermody encouraged people to review their will and EPAs with their solicitor on an annual basis and told them that Budget time was a great opportunity to do that as tax thresholds often change year on year. She also told the gathering of over 50 people that it’s important to speak to their family about their wishes and to start conversations during happy times rather than waiting until the conversations are necessary.
“Anne-Marie Dermody was a fantastic guest speaker who brought a clear passion for older people’s rights and an expert knowledge of the legal system. Her main message for people was to think ahead,” concluded Cllr. Emer Higgins.
Photo: Cllr’s Emer Higgins, Brian Lawlor and Vicki Casserly with Anne-Marie Dermody at the Older People Information Workshop.
