Marie Moloney (Labour) | Oireachtas source

The Minister of State has covered many of the issues raised. We brought forward legislation here to deal with a shortfall in earnings for people who had to retire at the age of 65. They are the only people who can claim jobseeker's benefit for 12 months because of a gap of three months. We flagged the issue several times in the Seanad and the Tánaiste responded so that aspect has been addressed.

The next move on the pension age will be in the year 2021 and it will be dealt with by the next government. As has been said, we must deal with the matter in terms of companies. Workers were contracted long before moves were made on the pension age, which means that many people in Liebherr in Killarney, for example, and in other places must retire on reaching 65 years of age. Home helps must retire at the age of 65 but some of them do not want to do so. Therefore, we must change employment law. I have no doubt that we will bring forward legislation to move the retirement age to 67 years in order to cover the year long gap that people must endure. Between now and 2021, some people could have a two year lead-in to their pension. I do not know if the government of the day will decide to create a two year jobseeker's benefit for them. I am doubtful that it would do so and, therefore, we must change company law now.