Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 257: To ask the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the anger and frustration of people not being allowed to work after the age of 65; if his further attention has been drawn to the fact that many people would be willing to submit themselves for an annual medical examination to prove they were fit to work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31244/06]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Government wishes to encourage and facilitate an increase in work force participation by older people. Recent measures introduced in Budget 2006 such as an increase in the income tax age exemption limits for persons aged 65 and over and the introduction of an earnings disregard for recipients of the social welfare State Pension (Non-Contributory) (previously known as the old age non-contributory pension) will make a significant contribution to that objective.

On the particular matter raised, the retirement condition associated with entitlement to the social welfare State Pension (Transition) (previously known as the Retirement Pension) at age 65 is a matter for consideration by my colleague, the Minister for Social and Family Affairs. The wider issue of an entitlement by employees to work after the age of 65 is a matter for consideration by my colleagues the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment and An Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform in regard to their policy remits in the area of labour law and employment equality respectively.