Michael Kitt (Fianna Fail)

I thank Senator Dooley for sharing his time with me. I welcome the Minister of State.

All Members will agree that the reforms allowing public servants the option to remain at work after 65 years of age are welcome. This is reflected in the teaching profession where many retired teachers continue on as substitute teachers. It also highlights the lack of qualified teachers, but that is for another debate.

There was a diplomatic sentence in the Minister of State's speech on time being given to new Oireachtas Members to become aware of the new age limits and where they are "in a position to take this on board to fit their own circumstances". Senator Ormonde said this may make it difficult for young people to become involved in politics. At an election convention in Ballinasloe, I noted a 21 year old candidate was selected to contest the town council elections. If a person of that age contested a Dáil election, given the changes we have had, it would be difficult for them to start at such a young age. I hope this issue will be examined again.

There is concern about new teachers entering the profession now. The anticipated changes to employment, announced by the Minister for Finance in the budget, will increase the difficulties for them. I must declare an interest as a member of the INTO. I support the INTO in seeking modest changes to allow for the right to retire on full pension and with a lump sum after 40 years service. While many professions may wish to work up until 65 years and beyond, there has been an approach in the teaching profession to maintain the option of taking retirement due to burn-out and other such matters. I hope the Minister for Finance will look at those proposals, as well as defending the pension age and the retention of the dedicated early retirement scheme for all public servants. Of course that is welcome but there is another proposal on the care of the elderly and, for example, the 1% levy for the nursing home subvention which we should also consider. The Minister of State has been good about not borrowing and says we will not pay a 1% levy for pensions but the nursing home subvention remains. The Departments of Health and Children and of Social and Family Affairs have issued a joint paper outlining ways to provide for long-term care, whether in nursing homes, communities or health board hospitals. That links with the issue of people living longer and needing care which I hope will also be addressed.