Madam, - The German lower house of parliament recently voted to increase their national retirement age from 65 to 67. The matter is yet to be voted on by the upper house but it is expected to be passed with little difficulty.
It would appear that this proposed action is largely in response to the pressures placed upon the German social welfare system by its ageing population.
The issue has been met with some opposition, namely from trade unions, pensioners' groups and members of the Social Democratic Party. Such groups believe the move will impinge upon those who have already worked for 40 years and paid pension contributions.
Whilst I welcome the fact that older people are being allowed to work beyond the age of 65 in Germany, the fundamental option of personal choice is still being removed. I strongly believe that people should have the choice as to when they can retire and thus I am calling for an end to mandatory retirement at the age of 65 here in Ireland .
Older members of our population must be given the chance to continue as financial contributors to the economy or indeed to retire earlier if they so desire. Forcing someone to retire simply on the grounds of age is blatant discrimination. The crux of the matter is undoubtedly the need for individuals to be given the right to choose when they wish to retire.
Irish employers and employees must be encouraged to recognise the benefits of continued employment beyond the age of 65. - Yours, etc,
Senator MARY WHITE,
Seanad Éireann,
Leinster House,
Kildare Street,
Dublin 2.