The National Council on Ageing and Older People was established in Ireland on 19 March 1997, in succession to the National Council for the Elderly (January 1990 to March 1997) and the National Council for the Aged (June 1981 to January 1990).

The National Council on Ageing and Older People is the advisory body in Ireland on all aspects of ageing and the welfare of older people.

The functions of the Council are:

• To advise the Minister for Health on all aspects of ageing and the welfare of older people.
• To assist the development of national and regional policies and strategies designed to produce health gain and social gain for older people.
• To promote the health, welfare and autonomy of older people.
• To promote a better understanding of ageing and older people in Ireland.
• To liase with international bodies which have functions similar to the functions of the Council.