Grace Boland (Dublin Fingal West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the draft legislation coming before the House and thank the Minister, Deputy Burke, and Minister of State, Deputy Dillon, for their work on it to date. As other Deputies have said, the Bill, when enacted, will see the implementation by the Government of one of the key commitments in response to the pensions commission's recommendations and implementation plan. This legislation reflects an understanding of the changing dynamics and demographics of Irish society and the importance of ensuring all workers, especially our older workers, have the opportunity to continue to contribute to our society and economy if they so wish.

We are also living in an extraordinary time in which full employment is a reality and many employers struggle to find the experience and expertise they need. Once enacted, this legislation will establish a new employment entitlement, empowering, but not compelling, individuals to remain employed until reaching the State pension age of 66. It is a recognition that age is not a limitation but an asset and a resource to be celebrated rather than dismissed. Moreover, our population is ageing. As a result of the strong continuing investment in health and social care services and changes in behaviour, our people are living longer, healthier lives with a life expectancy now of 82 years, the fifth highest in the 27 EU member states.

Almost one in four people in Ireland is over the age of 60 and many older workers wish to continue in their roles, not necessarily out of necessity but because they have much more to offer and much more life left to live. Their decades of experience, institutional knowledge and mentorship skills are invaluable assets which enrich our workplaces and strengthen our economy. Yet, some employees, due to their employment contracts, are forced to step away from their careers before reaching the statutory retirement age. This is not only unfair; it is also short-sighted. It denies these workers the dignity of choice and deprives our society and economy of their contribution. To force experienced, knowledgeable people to resign before the statutory retirement age denies them the dignity of choice and robs society of their talent. It perpetuates a bias that diminishes the value of experience and wisdom, a bias we must work together to eliminate.

The timeline for enactment of this legislation was raised with me by several people from my constituency of Dublin Fingal West who will benefit from its enactment and are very supportive of its swift implementation. In progressing the Bill, we will ensure no one is forced out of the workforce before the age of 66 and we are sending a powerful message that Ireland values experience, celebrates diversity and believes in inclusion. We are saying that every individual, regardless of age, has a role to play in shaping our shared future.

Protecting the right to work until the age of 66 is not merely a matter of principle. It is a practical solution for sustaining a robust workforce in the face of full employment. The Central Statistics Office, CSO, provides compelling evidence for this. The employment rate for individuals aged between 60 and 64 increased from 56.3% in the second quarter of 2022 to 61% a year later. This is a clear indication of the resilience, adaptability and determination of older workers. These statistics tell a story of commitment and capability of individuals who continue to contribute to their workplaces, communities and our society. Age should never be an obstacle. We should see it as an asset. Older employees bring decades of knowledge, seasoned perspectives and mentorship to their roles, enriching our workplaces in ways the younger generation simply cannot reach yet. Their experience is the foundation of many successes we celebrate today.

I thank the Minister again for his leadership in bringing forward this important change and look forward to the Bill's successful passage through both Houses.

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