Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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116. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his strategy to tackle mandatory retirement clauses in existing employment contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14826/22]

Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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A whole of Government response is required in order to respond to the recommendations of the Pensions Commission, of which the issue of mandatory retirement clauses is only one element. My Department is considering the Commission's recommendations in relation to mandatory retirement ages in certain contracts of employment.

There is no statutory retirement age for employees in Irish legislation, apart from for certain public sector employees where statutory retirement ages may apply. A contract of employment will generally contain a retirement age but this is a matter of contract between the parties.

Employment equality must be a core consideration in reforms to address mandatory retirement clauses, and the needs of both employees and employers will require consideration and further consultation. In this regard, it will be necessary to liaise closely with employer groups as any changes in this area have potential to have a significant impact on workforce planning, particularly for SMEs.

Other pension related reforms, such as the national auto-enrolment pension scheme, will be an important tool to address the issues involved.  The delivery of an auto-enrolment pension scheme will make it easier for people to access retirement savings options to help them meet their own income expectations for when they retire and is a current Programme for Government commitment.