Mary White (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

In 2006 I produced a policy paper on a new approach to ageing and ageism. I held public meetings throughout the city and I just could not believe the response of members of the public. Their horror when it came to facing up to retirement was brought to my attention for the first time at that point. Many women who had been obliged to stop working when they got married stated that they were facing the same prospect again. These women did not want to give up their jobs and they wanted to have the choice to continue working. The Journal.ie recently highlighted the fact that the Eurobarometer survey on active ageing, which was published in January and February, indicates that 46% of Irish people declared that they would like to work after the age of 65. The percentage in this regard is one of the highest in the EU. It is about choice rather than forcing anyone to do anything.

As stated earlier, a cliff edge exists in respect of this matter and it does not suit many people from a mental point of view to be obliged to give up their jobs. What we are trying to do is make a better and more just society. I am delighted by the fact that in just six years I have reached the point where I could introduce legislation on this matter.