Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I concur with the comments made by Senator Hayden. I have been asked what is the Tánaiste's mood. Previously people at 62 years of age did not have access to certain payments but they now have full access. On a voluntary basis, they can opt to avail of training, community employment courses and further education. We need to improve things. One can see from how the demographics of the population are changing that we must look at the whole range of life. A child born this year will work late into their 70s and he or she will want to contribute to society. Therefore, we must ensure that legislation reflects changing demographics. People who live a healthy life and wish to contribute to society should be able to do so. If we need to look at equality legislation, I would support such a move.

On many occasions over the past number of years, people have approached me with complaints about being forced to retire. This issue must be addressed. People should not be forced to retire at 65 or 66 years of age when they want to continue to actively contribute. Forced retirement is in many ways ageism at its worst. Such people are fully engaged in the workforce, their communities and the network, and we must seriously consider the matter.

Senator Healy Eames asked about the relationship between having to retire at 66 rather than later at 67 years. These matters need to be addressed and will be addressed within the coming weeks. Senator Healy Eames voted for the legislation which was created to flag that these changes were coming down the road, and they are coming down the road. I know about making provision for a pension, having worked in the private sector for the vast majority of my life. The issue has been flagged and the ages have been increased. The age between 66 and 67 years will be addressed in the coming weeks. All short-term social welfare schemes, including jobseeker schemes, are payable up to the age of 66. Jobseekers whose benefit expires in their 65th year will continue to be paid benefits up until they reach 66 years.