Mary White (Fianna Fail)

I always think of her ladyship as the Tánaiste.

As a result of my policy document, I have given talks around the country and had letters in the newspaper. I have been inundated with telephone calls and letters from people in a desperate state because they do not wish to retire at 65. An Irish Times MRBI poll last autumn indicated that 41% of those now aged 50 had no intention of retiring at 65. People are living much longer and are much healthier. They are absolutely capable of doing their jobs and are experienced workers. Why should they be jettisoned at 65? There are skills shortages in many areas of business and industry, and it is crazy to guillotine people the moment they turn 65.

I am on a mission during my time as a Senator, which I hope will continue after the next election, to change that, something I hope will happen within the next few months. It would take only minor legislative changes to scrap mandatory retirement. There would be great economic benefits to the country. I do not understand why the Minister for Finance, Deputy Cowen, is not agitating for such a reform, since, if people are still working and paying taxes, they are not necessarily drawing their pensions. It would be a win-win situation. We would keep experienced, skilled people in their jobs and continue to collect taxes, while payment of the old-age pension could be postponed until a person left employment.

Mandatory retirement should go, and we should introduce phased or gradual retirement in its place. I am not saying everyone should remain at work, but people should have the choice. I had to give up my job in the schools section of the Office of Public Works when I got married in 1969. My boss did everything to try to keep me. I was able to work in a semi-State organisation because I had a skill that was needed, but if I mention to people today that women had to give up their jobs when they got married, they do not understand, since they have forgotten that such a situation once obtained.

The discrimination whereby people aged 65 must give up their jobs is as serious as when women had to give up their jobs when they got married. Cases are before the courts in Spain and in England. Would it not be great if our Government took the initiative itself rather than waiting for a European directive as happened in 1973? The moment we joined the EU, all the married women were allowed to return to work. Senator Mansergh mentioned their great contribution to the economy. I will now lobby every Minister on mandatory retirement, since the situation is ridiculous.