Johnny Guirke (Meath West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I wish Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett the best going forward.

Sinn Féin has long stood up for the right to retire at 65. We represent the voices of those who have worked hard their entire lives and deserve to retire at 65 if they wish to do so, rather than accepting the retirement age of 66 set by Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael. There are many complex factors that influence when individuals choose to retire. The decision to retire at pension age is not a one-size-fits-all situation. It varies greatly from person to person, shaped by a multitude of key factors. First and foremost, health plays a crucial role in this decision. For some, ongoing health issues may necessitate an earlier retirement, while others may find themselves in good health and capable of working beyond the typical retirement age. This dynamic highlights the importance of personal circumstances in the retirement conversation. Everyone’s situation is unique. We must recognise that health can be both a barrier and a facilitator in this decision-making process.

Additionally, the nature of one’s job significantly impacts retirement timing. For instance, those in physically demanding roles, such as block layers or plasterers, often cannot work beyond the age of 65. The physical toll of these strenuous jobs can make it challenging to continue working as people age. In contrast, individuals in less physically demanding roles who are engaged in light work may have the flexibility to continue their careers well into their later years should they wish to do so. It is essential to understand that the decision to retire is influenced by a combination of health, job type and personal choice. Each person’s circumstances are different and we must respect those differences as we discuss retirement policies.

Sinn Féin has long recognised these complexities. We previously brought a motion before the Dáil to restore the right to retire at 65 with a full pension. We firmly believe that people should have the option to retire at the age of 65 based on their individual circumstances, while also supporting the right to continue working if they wish. For far too long, many workers have faced mandatory retirement ages in their contracts. This means that even if they want to continue working or are still capable and willing to contribute, they are forced to leave their jobs simply because of their age. Not only is this unfair but it is also a violation of workers’ rights. Sinn Féin has been fighting for the removal of these mandatory retirement clauses for more than a decade. We believe that every worker should have the choice to retire at 65 or to keep working if they wish. It is about giving people the freedom to make decisions about their own lives and careers.

During the 2020 general election, we made it clear that restoring the State pension to 65 and getting rid of mandatory retirement ages were key priorities for us. Unfortunately, it is a complete failure of leadership that this Government has not delivered on this to date. After a lifetime of hard work, people deserve to make the decision to retire with their pension at 65 or to continue working if they choose to do so. Currently, workers are being forced out of their jobs and onto unemployment benefits long before they are eligible for their pension.

This can create a significant drop in income for these workers and their families, making it challenging to make ends meet amid the rising costs people face during this cost-of-living crisis. Moreover, we need to consider the social impact of forced retirement when workers are pushed out of their jobs. They lose not only their source of income but also the social connections and support that come from being part of a workplace. This can lead to feelings of isolation and can have serious effects on mental health. The legislation proposed in the past by Sinn Féin aimed to create a new right for employees facing a contractual retirement age below the pensionable age. This would mean that workers would have the right to choose whether they stay in their jobs or retire, based on their own circumstances and preferences. We in Sinn Féin will continue to advocate for workers' rights until we see real change. It is time for the Government to stop avoiding this issue and to commit to allowing workers to retire at 65, with their pension, or to keep working, if they choose.

If the Minister was listening to people, he would know that his constituents want the option to retire at 65. It was a significant victory for those who took part in the Stop67 campaign and those affiliated with it, particularly when we consider that Fine Gael previously supported raising the pension age to 68. The Taoiseach and leader of Fianna Fáil has previously committed to not raising the pension age beyond 66, but many workers fear that commitments from this Government mean nothing.

It is time to create a future where every worker has respect and a choice they deserve when it comes to retirement, having worked for most of their lives. For the Government to now increase the retirement age to 66, with a constant threat of increasing it further, is not good enough.

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