Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 September 2017
110. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding plans to amend the law in order that persons cannot be obliged to retire at 65 years of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39944/17]
View answerWhile I have no ministerial responsibility for retirement ages, in either the public or private sector, I can indicate that the government has under consideration proposals that would facilitate persons remaining in the work place beyond the age of 65 where they have a wish to do so.
In my role in the Department of Justice and Equality, I have responsibility for equality legislation which allows for retirement ages in line with the relevant EU Directive provision that differences of treatment on the grounds of age are permissible if, within the context of national law, they are objectively and reasonably justified by a legitimate aim, including legitimate employment policy, labour market and vocational training objectives, and if the means of achieving that aim are appropriate and necessary.
