Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)

As some Senators have said, this is part of a wider debate which is probably required and which is not specific to a particular piece of legislation. I agree with Senators that 75 is probably the new 65 at this stage because for a number of reasons, not least our health service, people are living longer and this is wonderful. We need to rethink our treatment of the different phases in life. Many people currently work well into their late 60s and even into their 70s. In the future I predict that many people will work into their 70s and even beyond. This is an important debate. Our view of ageing and the different phases of life need to change accordingly.

However, in respect of this Bill, people who were employed previously by An Bord Altranais and who change over to the new board retain their existing rights under the previous arrangements, meaning that those employed before 2005 are in a superannuation scheme which is based on a retirement at 65 years. Their pension becomes payable from the age of 65 years. Since 2004, however, under new arrangements, there is no age limit.

A person can work until the age of 66, 68 or beyond. There is no limit for people, post 2004. It is important to point that out.

There is also provision contained for particular circumstances, for example, where a person employed pre-2004 whose particular skills are required or where there are certain circumstances in which it would be in the public interest that the person should remain in his or her job. The Minister can make an order to cater for those circumstances on an exceptional basis. However, for those employed since 2004 there is no upper age limit.