Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I pay tribute to my colleague, Senator White, for taking on this issue. As someone who is driven more by policy than by anything else, she has done a lot of good in this and other areas. It is timely that we are debating this Bill. When the economic crisis first occurred there was a rush to increase the age of retirement in the public service. Recent advances in medicine suggest that one in two girls born now will live to the age of 100. It is also suggested that the girl who will live to the age of 150 has already been born. We cannot identify the specific individual, of course, but longevity is increasing. This change gives rise to a number of economic, social and health challenges. Advances in medical science, and particularly in the area of DNA, will allow interventions at an early stage to anticipate serious medical issues that might arise in later years.

When people reach the age of 65 or more, they should have accumulated extensive experience and wisdom, although the latter does not always apply. They are assets that should be put to use to benefit society as well as the individuals concerned.

We are debating this Bill in the context of the biggest economic downturn any of us has seen in our lifetimes. It has affected everybody but the major casualties are in the 18 to 24 age bracket. Across Europe, one third or more of young people are unemployed. This is an affliction for the individuals concerned, their societies and the global economy. We need to find ways of managing this challenge. When people reach the age of 65, their energy levels are not what they were at the age of 30 and their productivity might have decreased. One must consider issues relating to productivity as well as health. Fundamentally, however, Senator White's Bill is correct in principle in terms of enabling individuals who have energy and vision to continue working. The idea that one should work full-time until the age of 65 and then retire completely is not sensible.

This country has a tremendous record of volunteerism. People across the country give up their time on a voluntary basis to enhance the opportunities and quality of life for others. This area should be developed further so that people can be channelled into these organisations. Women seem to be more adept than men at finding useful occupations and activities in later life. In this regard I applaud the initiative by Senator McAleese and the GAA in regard to the conference they held on this issue several years ago. The GAA has become actively involved in encouraging elderly men in communities across the country to interact with each other and become involved in social activities. There are mental health benefits from such initiatives.

The Bill raises an interesting and important topic and I commend Senator White on introducing it. I hope the Government will continue to develop this area so that we can provide opportunities to our citizens and utilise the talents and experience of people who still have an enormous contribution to make as their age increases.