Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

It is my first appearance in front of the new Oireachtas select committee and I look forward to working with all the members and being available to everyone. My door is always open. I look forward to having a strong working relationship. I congratulate the Cathaoirleach. I look forward to working with him throughout this term to ensure we are enhancing the capacity of the enterprise economy, sustaining the level of employment we have, which is significant, and ensuring our value proposition is very strong for inward investment and protecting the indigenous economy, which is critical.

I thank everyone for the time to progress the Employment (Contractual Retirement Ages) Bill 2025. We had a very constructive debate on Second Stage, and I was encouraged by the broad support across the House for the principles underpinning this legislation. There is a shared recognition that this Bill addresses a real and pressing issue for many workers who are approaching retirement age.

This legislation gives effect to one of the Government’s commitments under the Pensions Commission recommendations and implementation plan. While the broader reforms to the State pension system are being led by my colleague, the Minister for Social Protection, this Bill addresses a specific gap in employment rights, namely, the ability of workers to remain in employment until they reach the State pension age.

At present, employers may set a contractual retirement age but this must be objectively and reasonably justified. However, this framework does not always provide sufficient clarity or protection for employees who wish, or need, to continue working until they become eligible for the State pension. The Pensions Commission recommended that employees should be allowed, though not compelled, to remain in employment until pensionable age. This Bill implements that recommendation by creating a new statutory right for employees to request to stay in work until age 66, where their contractual retirement age is lower. This is a balanced and proportionate measure. It respects the rights of employees while recognising the operational needs of employers. Today, I will also be putting forward two technical amendments, as referenced by the Cathaoirleach, that reflect the changes in ministerial titles and departmental responsibilities which have taken effect recently.