Mark Daly (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

If only it could be implemented.

To return to the topic under discussion, a retirement age which was fixed over 100 years ago has been adopted, without question, by all the states in western Europe. Most of those states have not, however, adopted either a more gradual or a more voluntary approach to retirement, particularly in respect of the public sector. Many people who retire from the public sector proceed to play very active roles in the private sector. This shows that they are quite capable of continuing to work. As Senator Walsh stated, perhaps the Minister might consider adopting a gradual approach to retirement. Many of those who retire from the private and public sectors find that they have too much time on their hands and this can give rise to their developing mental health issues. The latter is due to the fact that for many people, their work is their life. As the saying goes, those who enjoy their work never work a day in their lives.

We must consider taking a more modern approach to how people work and to retirement, particularly as arbitrary retirement can lead to serious problems for particular individuals. There is also the huge loss of corporate knowledge to consider. If a retiree is willing to work for a few days a week and give of his or her time, he or she could show the ropes to new employees such as newly-qualified graduates or whomever. While this is done in some cultures and corporations, there is certainly no formal structure in place. Such a structure should be introduced by the Government, which should lead by example.

As Senator White pointed out, there is a proud history of volunteerism and active citizenship in this country. The cohort of those who are heading towards retirement must be encouraged to be active volunteers and to continue to contribute to their places of retirement when they have retired.

These are the possibilities which are contemplated within the Bill before the House. If it so wishes, the Government could introduce amendments in order that a more modern approach to retirement might be taken in Ireland. As Senator White has done, the Government could consider best practice in other European states to assist it in this regard. The arbitrary approach to retirement first introduced by the Germans now goes unquestioned because everyone is used to it and that must change. Senator White's previous policy documents on ageing highlighted many of the difficulties that arise when people are not given the opportunity to make decisions for themselves and are forced into retirement.

I commend Senator White and all other colleagues who contributed to the debate. Regardless of whether the Minister accepts it, retirement is an issue for every one of us. Although I accept that, perhaps, Europe awaits him when he is finished with the Oireachtas.