Mary White (Fianna Fail)

I call for a debate on ageing and ageism. Age Action Ireland has designated this week, from 29 September to 7 October, positive ageing week. Yesterday, Senator Terry and I attended a conference organised by Age Action Ireland in Croke Park. Immediate action is necessary to change the way older people are treated in our society. On 1 October, the British Government unveiled new employment equality legislation which makes it illegal to force employees to retire before the age of 65 years. It also gives employees who wish to work longer the right to meet management to discuss this possibility. The British Department of Trade and Industry believes this legislation is necessary as a result of EU directives which also apply to Ireland.