Ms Mary Murphy:

I have two quick points. First, while flexibility is really important, the research has found that exercising choice, with people being able to decide for themselves how to retire, is really what determines how the transition goes. That has become evident through research.

Another thing is that the private rental sector and the ageing tenancies there were mentioned, and we have talked about the Department of Social Protection. The quality of retirement is not just going to be determined by the retirement process that employers are putting in place. It is also about transport, housing, healthcare and the opportunities for older persons to engage in society. It is about digital exclusion, and our culture around older persons being valued persons of the community and it being normal for people at all ages to learn new skills, get involved in new activities and things like that. That is just pointing at the very multifaceted nature of retirement. One is bringing in elements from across the State and society.