Facing death and bereavement in Ireland: why we must plan, talk and care better

A new report by the Irish Hospice Foundation on dying, death and bereavement in Ireland offers a sobering picture of how deeply these experiences already shape Irish society — and how much more central they will become in the years ahead. Death and bereavement are not marginal events affecting only a few; they touch a very large part of the population every year, and their impact is set to grow.

Over 350,000 people are newly bereaved each year, around 6% of the population. At the same time, Ireland’s population is ageing rapidly. Over the next 20 years, the number of people dying each year is projected to increase by about 40%, creating an urgent need for better planning, services and public awareness.

These changes demand proactive policies and sustained investment to ensure that people at the end of life — and their families — receive the care, support and dignity they deserve. This is not only a healthcare issue; it is a social, emotional and moral one.

When people are asked what matters most at the end of life, their answers are strikingly consistent. They want honest communication, to be listened to, to have their wishes respected, and to feel connected to those they love. Yet the reality often falls short of this ideal. Two thirds of people who lost a loved one said that the person had not been told by a medical professional that they were dying. This lack of clear communication can prevent people from preparing emotionally, practically and spiritually, and can leave families shocked, distressed and burdened with unanswered questions.

Where people die also matters deeply. A key aim of good end-of-life care is that a person is supported to die where they wish to be cared for. The National End of Life Survey found that 81% of those whose loved one died in a single hospital room felt they died in the right place, compared with only 51% when this was not the case. Privacy, calm and dignity make a real difference in how death is experienced and remembered.

The demand for palliative care is also rising sharply. In 2026, an estimated 25,669 people will die from an illness requiring palliative care; by 2046 this is projected to increase by more than 50% to over 40,000 people each year. Although palliative services have expanded, significant gaps remain. Some regions, including the Midlands and North East, still do not have an adult hospice. These services must be delivered without further delay, and general palliative care needs to be strengthened across all settings, especially in primary care.

Bereavement does not end at the graveside. It affects people’s mental health, family life and working lives. Yet there is no statutory entitlement to bereavement leave in Ireland. This means that many people must return to work almost immediately after a profound loss. Bereavement should be formally recognised as a significant life event, and statutory bereavement leave should be introduced to ensure that all workers are treated with fairness, compassion and dignity.

As Ireland faces a future with more death, more bereavement and greater need, the response must be honest, humane and collective: better communication, better care, better data, and better support — for the dying, the bereaved, and all of us who will one day stand in their place.