John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

There is none in particular. On the point that Deputy O'Brien mentioned around the isolation when people are forced into retirement, I want to acknowledge the fantastic work of Active Retirement Ireland in trying to make the process of retirement easier for so many people. I acknowledge the fantastic work it does right across the State in helping to keep people active and in breaking down that rural isolation. There are certainly examples where people who have been forced into retirement, and who do not partake in the fantastic work of Active Retirement Ireland and other bodies, fall into that kind of isolation. This will give people the opportunity to make the decision themselves.

It has to be acknowledged that there are different types of work. I do not want to put any employment or job down or anything like that, but some jobs are more difficult in terms of physical labour as opposed to jobs where someone who might work behind a desk. They are two different types of employment. Someone who is involved in physical employment might feel that, because of the nature of the work, 65 is the time to go. Indeed they might feel that 60 is the time for them to retire. Again, this Bill will give those people the choice. If they feel 60 is the time for them to retire, the choice will be theirs. There are different types of employment. Some may require more physical endurance than others, but this gives the employee the option. Employees know best when it is for them to retire. There are people out there in their 80s and 90s who are doing fantastic work. As was previously alluded to, there are some people in their 20s and 30s and questions might be asked as to whether the work that they are doing is of a suitable standard. Age does not determine what kind of level of engagement one has or how good one's work is. People will know themselves whether they are suited to the job.