Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The provision for public sector employees who reach mandatory retirement age prior to reaching the State pensionable age is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.

The Department of Social Protection provides a range of income supports for people under pension age in the event of different contingencies that may arise such as unemployment or illness.

Earlier this year, and in line with the Programme for Government commitment, I introduced a Benefit Payment for 65-year-olds. This provides a benefit payment for employed or self-employed people who are aged between 65 and 66 and who were required to or chose to retire.There is no requirement to sign on, engage in activation measures or be available for and genuinely seeking work.

Applicants must also satisfy the PRSI conditionality for the scheme which, in the case of employees, includes having the required contributions in the Governing Contribution Year, which is the second last complete tax year. For example, for a claim in 2021, the second last complete tax year is 2019. Further details of this support are available on the Government's website.

I trust that this clarifies the position for the Deputy.