David Cullinane (Sinn Fein)

I move amendment No. 7:

In page 20, lines 19 to 23, to delete subsection (2).

This amendment deals with the imposition of a retirement age of 70, which we do not support. We do not agree with increasing the minimum retirement age from 65 to 67 or 68. Furthermore, the maximum age is a matter of choice. People should be able to make a decision as to whether they want to remain in the workforce. Forcing people to retire at 70 is wrong. There are many people over 70 who want to remain in the workforce and they should be allowed to do so.

In previous conversations the Minister has pointed to what he sees as an inconsistency whereby on the one hand, we do not want an increase in the retirement age but we also do not want it to be capped at 70, but this must be about choice. I believe that 65 is an appropriate retirement age. A similar discussion was had in the Northern Ireland Assembly. My party tabled a number of amendments to a Bill dealing with the retirement age which sought to keep it at 66 but, unfortunately, those amendments were defeated. My party takes a consistent approach across the island. We want people to be able to retire if they wish at 65 but if they wish to continue working beyond the age of 70, that option should also be open to them.