Anne Ferris (Wicklow, Labour)
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I move:

That leave be granted to introduce a Bill entitled an Act to amend the Employment Equality Act 1998 and to provide for related matters.

The Bill is intended to amend the Employment Equality Act 1998 to abolish compulsory retirement ages for persons able and willing to continue with the job for which they are employed. Exceptions are provided for security related employment including in the Garda Síochána, Defence Forces and fire services. The Bill is based on similar progressive legislation elsewhere, including in the USA where compulsory retirement ages have been outlawed for many years and the UK where the practice has recently been outlawed. The legislation will not prevent any employer from offering financial incentives for voluntary retirement at a specified age. The emphasis will be on the voluntary nature of any such retirement. A worker who wishes to continue in employment may do so. The Bill is designed to combat ageism and promote a more positive experience of ageing and more positive attitudes to older citizens.