Seanad debates

Thursday, 27 November 2003

Address by President of the European Parliament.

 

Those who believe in solidarity must now confront themselves with the question of making it sustainable. This is precisely the value mentioned by the Senator, but sustainability and solidarity must be married if this social model is to continue. The example sounds bizarre, but it is true. Today in Germany, 38% of the male labour force aged between 55 and 64 is at work, while 62% of a working age are retired. This is because of crazy incentive and disincentive systems. These things must change because more people at work and in good health is not a bad thing in itself. We must say "Yes" to solidarity but also to sustainability.

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