Joe O'Toole (Independent)

As a contributor on this issue for many years, I have always been unhappy with the outcome of debates. However, I wish to request another debate. The difficulty with debates at OECD and European level is that the approach taken is broad brush or blunderbuss. In other words, if we have a problem here we should shoot over there. There is no finesse or attempt to get matters right. During the past ten years I have continually stated that the period between full-time work and full-time retirement should be extended and should include measures such as flexi-time, half-time, part-time and working for half the time and receiving half a pension. These proposals have worked well in other jurisdictions and I ask that they be adopted here.

The parliamentarians from Canada who are visiting us today have a view on this and put two extremely good ideas to me. The Government of Canada is inclined to select, propose and appoint Independent Members to the Canadian Senate and its Senators are appointed for life. Even though they are appointed for life, they are required to retire at 75 years of age. Perhaps this issue could be examined with the others.