Sheila Terry (Fine Gael)

I ask the Leader to arrange a debate on domestic violence as early as possible. It is some time since we held such a debate while recent reports inform us that the incidence of domestic violence continues to increase. While domestic violence affects women for the most part, I wish to recognise also that some men fall victim to it. In the upcoming budget, I would like the Minister for Finance to increase funding for the voluntary organisations which deal with the victims of domestic violence. It is timely to have a debate on the matter.

Fine Gael will certainly support Senator White in her work on ageing. Fine Gael calls on the Government to abolish the compulsory retirement age of 65. Given the facts that people are much healthier and wish to work for longer, it is time to review the policy. The abolition of the compulsory retirement age is also among the recommendations of the Pensions Board. The abolition of the retirement age will help to address the pensions problems of many people by allowing them to work longer and defer taking pension payments thereby increasing their eventual size.