Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Deputy O'Dea asked when the pension age of 67 years kicks in, and it is in 2021. From age 65 to 66, jobseeker's benefit is paid. Deputy Ó Snodaigh stated he was not too sure whether it was for nine months. Actually, from age 65 to 66, it is paid for 12 months.

The requirements for signing, etc., are all changed and much more relaxed. It is actually relaxed from the age of 62 onwards, not 65. At age 65, on which the questions were asked, the job benefit is paid for the 12 months, from 65 to 66 years, and retirement is at 67 years.

The demographics are changing. Certainly, when my father retired, men's life expectancy was probably five or six years once retired. Life expectancy is changing. There is a whole change in demographics, in relation to the length of time people are living and also the length of time people now want to work and want to seek employment. One of the queries I get on a regular basis in my clinic relates to those who believe they are being forced to retire and who want to continue working for much longer periods and be involved in the workforce.

The pensions area will be a major challenge for all of us in the future because of the change in demographics, such as the change in the number of young people compared to pensioners. We, as a Legislature, have a significant body of work to carry out in future years to deal with the implications of demographic changes to pensions. I believe I have answered the specific questions.