Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Members who are participating remotely need to do so from within the Leinster House complex only. No apologies have been received today so far.

We are dealing with pre-legislative scrutiny of the general scheme of the employment (restriction of certain mandatory retirement ages) Bill 2024. The objective of the Bill is to align mandatory retirement ages in existing and future employment contracts with the State pension age. The aim of the measure is to restrict the enforceability of mandatory clauses in employment contracts where the employee wishes to continue in employment. As recommended by the Pensions Commission, this will deliver a statutory provision which will allow, but in no way compel, an employee to stay in employment until the State pension age.

I am pleased we have the opportunity to consider these matters further with the following representatives: from Age Action, Ms Mary Murphy, research officer, and Dr. Nat O’Connor, senior public affairs and policy specialist; from the Irish Senior Citizens Parliament, Mr. Pat Mellon, chief executive officer; and from the Retirement Planning Council of Ireland, Ms Laura Farrell, chief executive officer, and Mr. Declan Lawlor, programme leader.

Before we start, as I always do, I will explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practices of the Houses as regards references witnesses may make to another person in evidence. The evidence of witnesses physically present or who give evidence from within the parliamentary precincts is protected, pursuant to the Constitution and statute, by absolute privilege. Witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not criticise or make charges against any person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed by me to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative they comply with any such direction.

The opening statements have been circulated to members. To commence our consideration of the matter, I now invite Ms Murphy to make her opening remarks on behalf of Age Action.