David Cullinane (Sinn Fein)

Opinions differ among Members as to the age of retirement. As Senator Barrett said, at least one Member is opposed in principle to a retirement age being set. My concern is the issue of choice. I do not see that this amendment would compel a person to work until he or she was 68 although this is what might happen if there were to be changes in Government policy. If a person wishes to continue to work up to the age of 68, then this amendment will provide an opportunity to do so. The logic of this amendment is that a person should not be forced to retire at the age of 65. In my view, this amendment is a reasonable request from the proposer that the age be extended to 68 years so that a person who wishes to continue to work until the age of 68 years will have that choice.