The Government has said that by 2031, it will need 150,000 of 'rightsizing', or smaller, homes designed to meet the needs of older people.

A new 'Housing Options for our Ageing Population' policy statement also said that a further 150,000 age-friendly accommodations will be needed.

While approximately 36,000 nursing home spaces will be required.

The Minister for Mental Health and Older People Jim Daly and Minister for Housing and Urban Renewal, Damien English, launched the policy statement in Dublin.

They said the statement "reaffirms the strong Government commitment to policies that support older people to live in their own homes and communities with dignity and independence for as long as possible."

Minister Daly said: "The changing demographics and the implications for future health care costs mean it is vital that a wider choice of appropriate housing options for older people is developed.

"The needs, rights and expectations of our older citizens are different today than they were in the past, and I have no doubt will continue to change.

"It is vital therefore that we put in place suitable options to give older people more choice and to ensure that care is provided in the most appropriate setting."

Minister English was keen to emphasise that the policy statement was about 'increasing the options' available to people as they grow older.

He said it was "fundamentally about creating more choice in the housing options available to them and recognising the intimate connection between healthcare supports and housing as we age".

A steering group that helped put the statement together was made up of key stakeholders in Government and from across the sector.

It developed a number of key principles - including putting measures in place to ensure sustainable housing is provided in the right location, and promoting the use of assistive technology to support people to live independently.

It also said there should be adequate consideration to the need for "social connectedness" in devising policy.

"These principles will inform our strategic thinking in the years ahead.

"However, I am pleased to say that they have already led to the development of a number of creative and innovative actions that are in this statement", Minister English said.

There are 40 action points in the plan - including specific schemes to assist people wishing to 'rightsize' in both social and private housing, as well as new funding mechanisms to help in generating private sector involvement in the provision of older people housing.

It also said there should be an optional 'Design for Life' rating mechanism for homes, which will measure the energy-efficiency and age-friendliness of them.

Minister Daly added: "The publication of this statement is just the start.

"We plan to build on the excellent collaboration between the two departments and key stakeholders and ensure that we deliver on the promises we are making here today".

An interdepartmental/agency implementation group is to be set up within weeks, led by an independent chair, that would monitor progress and report directly to both ministers.

Read the full statement here