Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

We are discussing petition 33 of 2013 on equality and fairness regarding the raising of the State pension age to 66 and beyond. The petitioner, Mr. Henry Gaynor, is with us today. I remind everybody to be careful with mobile phones as they interfere with the live broadcast. We are pleased to welcome Mr. Gaynor, who submitted a petition to the committee entitled "Equality and fairness regarding the raising of the State pension age to 66 and beyond." Since the raising of the pension age, a number of lobby groups have highlighted what they believe to be the unfairness of this position for individuals who had an expectation relating to pension or retirement. I thank Mr. Gaynor for forwarding his presentation. Members are keen to hear his views on the raising of the State pension age and following his presentation, there will be a questions and answer session with members.

This Dáil is the first to have a committee dealing with petitions, although one has been in the European Parliament for many years. It is powerful that an individual Irish citizen can raise a matter of public concern, come into the heart of the Houses and discuss the issue. We will act on today's discussions. I thank Mr. Gaynor as we really appreciate his petition and his presence today.