Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 December 2020
27. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social Protection the steps she will take to ensure that persons who have worked all their lives and who are required by their employer to retire at 65 years of age do not have to sign on before reaching pension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29607/20]
View answerThe Government approved the establishment of the Commission on Pensions earlier this month, in fulfilment of a Programme for Government commitment. The Commission will examine sustainability and eligibility issues in respect of State pension arrangements and will outline options for the Government to address issues such as qualifying age, contribution rates, total contributions and eligibility requirements. The Commission’s Terms of Reference includes examining how private sector employment contracts specifying retirement ages below the State pension age may be impacting on the State’s finances and pension system. In line with the Programme for Government, the Commission will report to Government on its work, findings, options and recommendations by 30th June 2021. The Government intends to take action having regard to the recommendations of the Commission within six months.
In addition to repealing the increase in the pension age in the forthcoming Social Welfare Bill 2020, I will also shortly be introducing regulations which will formally remove the current requirements for people aged 65 and over to sign-on, participate in activation programmes or give an undertaking that they are genuinely seeking work. This will formalise an administrative practice which has already been in place for some time. I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
