Tom Neville (Limerick County, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This matter arises from a discussion on Wired FM in Limerick last year. A number of volunteers came together to run a radio show for the over-55s. We often debate health issues concerning the elderly, which is both warranted and welcome. The other side, however, concerns the employment of healthy elderly people and how they can contribute more to the economy and society in general.

I worked as a recruitment consultant for many years and it was articulated to me by many potential candidates that they saw age as a barrier to a number of positions. I wanted, therefore, to highlight that issue in the light of some of the evidence from my researches. The Positive Ageing 2016 national report shows that for those in the 50-plus age category, the employment rate is 63%. The employment rate is continuing to rise, which is very welcome. We are currently 2% to 3% away from full employment at this stage.

A total of 2.3% of people in the 55 to 64 year age group are in formal education, while the figure for the 50-plus group is 8%. Of the 50-plus bracket, 7.1% see themselves as being lonely. The report also indicates that 45% of that cohort - almost half - feel they are discriminated against in the workforce. In 2004, 33% of the 50-plus age group felt they were discriminated against in the workplace, while 82% felt they were discriminated against in seeking work. In 2014, the corresponding figures were 33% and 87% of those seeking work. While there may not be overt discrimination, there is a feeling of covert discrimination against the aged whether it is in seeking work or those who are already in the workforce. This matter needs to be debated more widely and brought out in the open.

The 65 plus age group in Ireland is rising faster than anywhere else in the European Union. By 2041, 1.3 million to 1.4 million people in this country will be over 65 years of age, which will be 20% to 25% of the total population. The over-80s will increase fourfold to 440,000 so this is an immediate issue.

Loneliness can also have a negative impact on mental health for the elderly and increase their risk of depression. We need to start formulating policies and examining procedures in order to involve the elderly more in the workforce. The number of elderly people in education and training should be increased. We should also examine intergenerational procedures by means which elderly people can give their experience back to others. People are often forced to leave the workforce, yet they do not want to do so. They leave with knowledge, skills and life experience that could be passed to a younger generation. There should be a formal process to allow that to happen. I am asking the Minister to explore such initiatives, as well as opening up the debate on perceived discrimination against elderly people in the workforce. Given that our age demographic is increasing, how will we combat discrimination in order to increase the economic productivity of the elderly. That would give something back to society while creating new economic opportunities.

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