asked the Minister for Health if his Department will conduct a feasibility study, with a view to recommending the introduction of a phased retirement plan for workers, in the interest of promoting the health and well-being of such workers.
Written Answers. - Phased Retirement Plan.
99.
I can accept that, for many workers, a phased retirement plan would be beneficial for the promotion of their health and well-being.
However, the implementation of a general policy of this nature would have widespread implications for many matters outside my responsibilities as Minister for Health such as manpower planning and recruitment policies, training programmes and conditions of employment, including pensions.
The Retirement Planning Council of Ireland, of which my Department is a corporate member, have as one of their objectives the promotion of awareness and research into problems associated with retirement. I know that the Council are concerned about tensions created by the sudden transition from work to retirement.
I shall take up with the council the possibility of their conducting a feasibility study of the kind mentioned by the Deputy.