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Statutory Retirement Age

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 May 2018

Thursday, 17 May 2018

Ceisteanna (8, 19)

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

8. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when legislation to increase the compulsory retirement age for public servants will be published; the timeframe for the legislation to pass in Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21668/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Fiona O'Loughlin

Ceist:

19. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the timeframe for the publication of the legislation to abolish the mandatory retirement age for public sector workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16483/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí ó Béal (4 píosaí cainte)

The current system compulsory retirement age remains at 65 years while pensions can only be claimed at 66 years, and that age is to be increased in future. We cannot allow the current practice of applying for jobseeker's payments to continue to fill the gap. When will legislation come before the House to increase the compulsory retirement age to 70 years, as the Minister announced last December? It is imperative that that happens as soon as is practicable so that a further tranche of people will not be affected come September.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 8 and 19 together.

As the Deputies are aware, on 5 December 2017, the Government agreed that the compulsory retirement age of most public servants recruited before 1 April 2004 should be increased to age 70. Primary legislation is required for this change to be implemented. The Office of the Attorney General has been requested to prioritise the drafting of the necessary legislation so that the new compulsory retirement age will become effective as soon as possible.

It is not possible to determine the length of time it will take for a Bill to be drafted and pass through both Houses of the Oireachtas given the need for meticulous drafting, ongoing detailed policy considerations, and the scheduling requirements of the Houses of the Oireachtas. The drafting process is under way and the Bill is on the list of priority legislation for publication in the current session. Indeed, I understand that the drafting of the legislation is significantly advanced. I aim to be in a position to be able to publish the legislation next month.

While I do not doubt the effort that has been made to bring forward the legislation, it is disappointing to hear that we have no commitment from the Minister that it will be passed prior to the summer recess in order that it might benefit another tranche of people in September.

In that light, will the Minister agree to waive the requirement for pre-legislative scrutiny by the relevant committee? Such an approach might fast-track the legislation. There was an expectation, based on the Minister's announcement, which we welcomed in December, that this would be forthcoming and that the legislation would be brought before the House and passed before the summer. I implore the Minister, in the absence of a commitment, to agree to waive the requirement for pre-legislation scrutiny which would otherwise be necessary.

We will publish the legislation next month, but I cannot give a commitment as to when it will be passed. No Minister is in a position to give such a commitment as it is a matter for the House as to when legislation is passed. I will consider the Deputy's proposal that the requirement for pre-legislative scrutiny be waived. I accept his good intentions in trying to have this matter resolved and I am aware that there is some concern about the implementation of interim measures. However, this is complex legislation that will have a material effect on the lives and circumstances of many people who decide to continue to work. I want the legislation to pass and believe that if we publish it next month and the House gives it fair wind and considers it quickly, we will be able to pass it promptly. I will consider what the Deputy has said about the requirement for pre-legislative scrutiny when the Bill has been fully drafted and will be happy to consult the Deputy and the rest of the House at the time.

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