Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 171: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the details of the proposed raising of the pension age; if there will be any exemptions to this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14032/10]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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The challenges facing the Irish pension system are clearly outlined in the National Pensions Framework. In particular, it is noted that the task of financing increasing pension spending will fall to a diminishing share of the population. There are currently six workers for every pensioner: this ration will decrease to less than two to one by 2050. Increasing retirement age is one of the ways in which we can sustain the pensions system and also maintain the value of the State pension at 35% of average earnings.

At present the State Pension is paid at age 66. A minority of people qualify for a State Pension (transition) at 65. From 2014, age 66 will be the standard pension age for everyone. The qualifying age will be increased to 67 years of age in 2021 and 68 in 2028. There will be no exemptions from these new arrangements. People are living longer and healthier lives. With average life expectancy set to rise even further in the future, up to 89 years for women and 83 for men. People will still, therefore, be spending at least the same amount of time in retirement as they are today, even with a later retirement age.