Liam Burke
Question:37 Mr. L. Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the plans she has to encourage retired people to return to the workforce; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21627/00]
Written Answers. - Return to Work.
The economic boom in Ireland means that there are plenty of employment opportunities available for all who are in a position to avail of them. Labour shortages mean employers have to look at all available sources to meet their needs. The importance of older people in the workforce will grow in coming years with the population under 25 set to fall while the numbers in the older age groups are forecast to rise.
Given these trends we have to look at ways of encouraging older people, embracing retired persons and women in the home, who wish to do so, to return to the work force, as well as assisting older unemployed in their transition to employment. The Government's policy of reducing the overall tax burden on labour is an incentive for older people to continue working, for women returners and older unemployed to seek and take up a job and for retired persons to return to the workforce, especially those who may wish to work part-time to supplement their income.
As part of further initiatives in this area, it is my intention to meet with employer's representatives to see what practical steps can be taken to encourage the return of retired persons to the workplace.
Depending on the circumstances on retirement, a person can be either over-skilled or under-skilled for positions on offer to older people. I will be asking FÁS placement and training ser vices to examine this aspect to see the extent of the problem and the means of addressing it.
Question No. 38 taken with Question No. 19.