Public service retirement age
Brendan Howlin asked about legislation to remove the mandatory retirement age in the public service and about interim arrangements. The Taoiseach said the Bill was on the priority list, but interim arrangements would depend on the sector.
Like others, I have raised a number of times with the Taoiseach the issue of legislation to remove the mandatory retirement age in the public service. The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform promised this would be before the House in this session. Extending the retirement age voluntarily would give comfort to many people who are now reaching retirement age and are not quite clear how this matter is to be resolved. A circular was issued, No. 21/2017, that extends retirement age to 66 for civil servants but there are no such circulars in regard to other public servants or people like judges, although in my direct discussions with the Minister, I believe that is his intention. When will we see the legislation, and in the interim, pending the enactment of the legislation, will very clear guidelines be given so that people will not be anxious that they will be forced out of employment and can be assured that they will be allowed stay on?
