Mary White (Fianna Fail)

Yes, especially the white ones. Councillor Evelyn Byrne, the chairwoman of the National Council for Ageing and Older People was here last week and she pointed out that in three generations the role of Irish women has changed. We should think about that. However, the role of older people has not. When one reaches 65 one is put in a certain slot. We must examine why that is the case.

In 1994, when the former Taoiseach, Albert Reynolds, was leader of Fianna Fáil, I got involved in the peace process in the North. As we all know, language is critical. My key to understanding the problem centred around the phrase, "parity of esteem". It was based on the concept that both sides of the community were entitled to equality. In my new approach to ageing and ageism I am putting the issue of equality and parity of esteem for older people on the political agenda.

A perfect example was the introduction of BreastCheck for women under 65 only. It seems unbelievable that anyone would dare take that approach. A woman over 65 is not entitled to get a free breast check in the same way as a woman under 65. How dare anybody decide that somebody over 65 is less entitled to a breast check?

I have spoken to Professor Kathleen Lynch from the equality department in UCD. She would like to see a commission on ageing. She pointed out that it was only when the commission on disability was set up ten years ago that the attitude to disability began to change. From an academic point of view she would suggest a commission on ageing. That approach would take longer to produce results but it is a very good idea.

From my research to date, older people are neither organised nor mobilised. They are too complacent and patient. Why should people have to retire at 65? Many people want to stay in the workplace after the age of 65. I propose that people would be allowed to retire on a phased basis at 67 or 68. Sixty eight may be the optimum age. It should not be the case that one would have a job to go to one day and no job the next. Most Members are active people and we would not like the idea of having to give up work at 65 if we were in perfect health unless it was to pursue another interest.

We have many role models. If Senator John McCain decides to be the Republican candidate for the presidential election in the United States in 2008 he will be 72. President Reagan was 76 during his second presidential term. Brian Friel is 76. Senator Maurice Hayes is a perfect example of a robust individual over the age of 65.