John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The Chairman touched on it all himself. I know there are so many people watching this debate. I have been inundated. I do not say that to overplay this Bill's importance, but since I brought it to the floor of the House I have been inundated by people who are turning 65 this year, including schoolteachers who are turning 65 in September and who are hoping that this Bill is passed before they retire. It is not in my power to move this any faster than it is moving. I welcome the words from the Chairman of the committee and the overall support of committee members here, but unfortunately there have been false hopes in the past. One of my own former constituency colleagues, Deputy Anne Ferris, brought forward this legislation back in 2015. It went through Committee Stage, there was a committee report produced and at that stage the Thirty-first Dáil fell, as did that legislation. I do not have a crystal ball to see how long this Government will stay in place, but I do know that this is essential legislation that has the potential to greatly benefit many people and to give them the choice to decide themselves when they want to retire.

I concur with the Chairman's remarks. I hope that Ministers or the Taoiseach are watching this morning. I think it is a money order or a money note that is needed at this stage. I appeal to Ministers to ensure that this Bill is advanced as quickly as possible.

That should be done to end the sleepless nights for the many people who are looking at the calendar in fear of their next birthday, which is sad. People should be able to enjoy not just their birthday, but turning 65, 66 or however many years of age. I urge that the Bill be advanced to the next Stage as quickly as possible.