Mary White (Fianna Fail)

Nancy Pelosi, the most senior woman politician in the United States, gave a speech in Trinity College last night, the theme of which was "e pluribus unum", which means "out of many, one". That is one of chief seals of the United States stemming from the diversity of the different states that came together to work as a whole and to form a wonderful country. She said that society needs more women leaders in all areas and that this is essential for better government. I call for a debate on active ageing, given that Nancy Pelosi is 72 this month and the Minister, Deputy Michael Noonan, is 69 this year. I draw attention to the unfairness that people in the public and private sector have to retire at 65 years of age.