Gabrielle McFadden (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I do not have any questions for the delegates but I commend Deputy Anne Ferris on bringing forward this fantastic legislation. Subject to clarification on some of the issues raised by Ms Malone, I cannot see why these proposals should not have the full support of members. I thank all the delegates for attending. As the Chairman said, the submissions were very powerful, moving and intelligent. I have an aunt whose age I will not give, because she would kill me if I did, who retired from the HSE in her 60s, although she did not want to. She opened a business 21 years ago and it is still going strong today, as is my aunt. She worked in that business for more than 12 years and still has an input into it. She made the decision to set up on her own because she did not want to retire. She should not have had to retire because she is a very capable and intelligent person. She should have been able to continue in her job until she was ready to leave.

Mr. Kenny spoke about the people, men in particular, for whom their job is a source of identity and self-meaning. That applies to women just as much as men. I congratulate all the delegates on their submissions and assure them the legislation has my complete support.