John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)

Senators Finucane and Coghlan raised the potential closure of post offices and I have some sympathy with their point of view. Senator Finucane asked for a debate on the matter and we will consider it. Grocery shops are closing down, as well as other shops, in many cases because of modern living but I have a great deal of sympathy with the point made regarding access for pensioners.

Senator White asked for a debate on mandatory retirement and I agree fully with her. We will need more people in the labour force and many people are very active after the age of 65 and should be utilised if they wish to work. Retirement should be voluntary but they should be allowed to work if they wish. There is a degree of ageism in society but a person who survives until the age of 60 has a good chance of surviving until the age of 90. Many active people would be delighted to work and the Senator makes a good point.

Senators Norris, Glynn, Feeney, Dooley and Ulick Burke referred to the health service. I heard on the radio about the failure of the showers at James Connolly Memorial Hospital, which is appalling and underlines a feature of the public service, that it exists to serve itself rather than its clients.