Mary White (Fianna Fail)

I thank the Cathaoirleach for facilitating this debate because it is a most important issue. As a politician, I am on a mission on two issues: child care and ageing and ageism. I am inundated with requests from people who do not want to retire at the age of 65. That age limit was introduced when life expectancy was not much higher than that. People in the private and public sectors must retire at 65. It should be a matter of choice whether one stays in one's job. It is discrimination against a person who is probably at a peak in his or her life. People in their 60s and 70s are at their peak, being experienced and wise. This discriminatory legislation should be changed so that there would not be a guillotine on people's jobs when they turn 65. To prevent someone staying on in his or her job at 65 if he or she wishes to stay denies that person his or her human rights. The Minister should consider options for flexible or phased retirement according to the person's choice.

I have spoken on this issue on local radio in Wexford and Waterford, following which provocative discussion people telephoned in. I tell people this is a question of choice. I am not saying everybody must work beyond the age of 65 but that the choice should be there for them to do so. It is a contradiction when 50,000 new entrants are needed every year to fill posts in the Civil Service and public service.

This week on Midlands 103, I cited the Taoiseach and the Minister of State as perfect examples of this. They both work 24 hours a day, seven days a week, but if they were civil or public servants, they would be told when they reach 65 years that they no longer could continue in their posts. This age discrimination has a negative and debilitating effect on those who enjoy the challenge of work.