Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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348. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she will give an assurance that the age of retirement will not be increased to 67 years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2559/13]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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There is no statutory retirement age in Ireland. Age of retirement is determined by the employment contract.

Changes in demographics and increasing longevity as well as a need to ensure the sustainability of pensions into the future has been a key focus of pensions policy. This is compounded by the wider need for sustainable public finances.

As provided for in the Social Welfare and Pensions Act, 2011 State pension age will be standardised at 66 years. This will result in the State pension (transition) which applies for one year for persons at age 65 ceasing from 2014. Thereafter, State pension age will increase to 67 in 2021 and 68 in 2028.

The changes to the age at which people qualify for the State pension now and in the future are essential reform measures if we are to continue to provide the financial support that people expect in retirement. The central objective is to reform the system of social protection so that it is viable into the future and the pension reform measures underway address some of these issues.

The Department of Social Protection will always continue to provide the normal supports to those who can’t, for whatever reason, continue working or find themselves in financial difficulty. For those with an income need social welfare schemes will continue to be available, for those who fulfil the eligibility criteria.

Longer working will be a key feature of future pensions systems worldwide and Ireland is no different. I have asked the OECD to examine current pension policy in light of the economic downturn and to ensure that it meets the needs of future generations and I expect to receive that report in the near future.