Marie Moloney (Labour)
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An issue that has been discussed in the Seanad concerns those who are obliged to retire at the age of 65 because of their contracts and who now will be obliged to apply for jobseeker's benefit despite having had a job. However, they have no choice but to do so and are supposed to be available for work for that period, which only lasts for nine months. This means that for three months, those concerned will have no income and consequently, these people should be facilitated. It is somewhat harsh for those who may have been working for 48 years or whatever and who are paid for nine months, only to be told to apply for jobseeker's allowance for three months. The Minister might look at this again. While the Department has done away with the State transition, the Minister put in place a transitional payment for lone parents and others. Perhaps consideration also should be given to those people who have been caught in this gap or trap.