Menu
15/08/2016
SIPTU Slams Fuller Working Lives Report
The first report of the Interdepartmental Group on Fuller Working Lives has been described as "a useless piece of window dressing", by SIPTU General President Jack O'Connor.
The Group was established by the government in January to consider policy around retirement age in both the public and private sectors. It was charged with a number of objectives, including examining the implications arising from retirement ages now and in the future, making recommendations on a policy framework to address the issues identified and to support fuller working lives.
Commenting on the Group's first report, published on Friday 12 August, Mr O'Connor said: "This report simply repeats what is already well known and lists a few innocuous recommendations that will contribute nothing to resolving the problems confronting the future provision of adequate pensions for retirees. Unfortunately, it merely amounts to a useless exercise in window dressing."
Mr O'Connor also said the report "completely fails" to address the plight of older workers approaching mandatory retirement age.
He continued: "SIPTU has repeatedly called for an increase in job seekers benefit at 65 as a temporary measure to deal with this problem. Such a provision would cost as little as €5 million a year to cover those forced to retire at 65 and just €25 million for all 65 year olds who are dependent on the Social Welfare system.
"However, the long term solution involves the abolition of the mandatory retirement age to allow those wishing to work on, to do so, while still making provision for people in hazardous and heavy manual occupations to retire at 65."
(MH/CD)
The Group was established by the government in January to consider policy around retirement age in both the public and private sectors. It was charged with a number of objectives, including examining the implications arising from retirement ages now and in the future, making recommendations on a policy framework to address the issues identified and to support fuller working lives.
Commenting on the Group's first report, published on Friday 12 August, Mr O'Connor said: "This report simply repeats what is already well known and lists a few innocuous recommendations that will contribute nothing to resolving the problems confronting the future provision of adequate pensions for retirees. Unfortunately, it merely amounts to a useless exercise in window dressing."
Mr O'Connor also said the report "completely fails" to address the plight of older workers approaching mandatory retirement age.
He continued: "SIPTU has repeatedly called for an increase in job seekers benefit at 65 as a temporary measure to deal with this problem. Such a provision would cost as little as €5 million a year to cover those forced to retire at 65 and just €25 million for all 65 year olds who are dependent on the Social Welfare system.
"However, the long term solution involves the abolition of the mandatory retirement age to allow those wishing to work on, to do so, while still making provision for people in hazardous and heavy manual occupations to retire at 65."
(MH/CD)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
12 August 2016
First Report Of Interdepartmental Group On Fuller Working Lives Published
The new report of the Interdepartmental Group on Fuller Working Lives has been published by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. The Group was established by the government in January to consider policy around retirement age in both the public and private sectors.
First Report Of Interdepartmental Group On Fuller Working Lives Published
The new report of the Interdepartmental Group on Fuller Working Lives has been published by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. The Group was established by the government in January to consider policy around retirement age in both the public and private sectors.
08 February 2012
PNA Warns Of Impact Of Early Retirement
In a survey of its branches across the country the Psychiatric Nurses Association (PNA) has found that up to 360 frontline nurses are to retire from the psychiatric/mental health services under the Government's early retirement scheme.
PNA Warns Of Impact Of Early Retirement
In a survey of its branches across the country the Psychiatric Nurses Association (PNA) has found that up to 360 frontline nurses are to retire from the psychiatric/mental health services under the Government's early retirement scheme.
09 March 2009
Mourning For Passing Of Irish Star
One of the country's leading actresses, Anna Manahan, has died at the age of 84 following a long illness. The award-winning performer, who died yesterday, will be laid to rest in her home county of Waterford on Wednesday.
Mourning For Passing Of Irish Star
One of the country's leading actresses, Anna Manahan, has died at the age of 84 following a long illness. The award-winning performer, who died yesterday, will be laid to rest in her home county of Waterford on Wednesday.
03 October 2014
1 In 3 Elderly People 'Are Lonely'
One in three people, over the age of 65 and who live in their own homes, are said to have experienced feelings of loneliness, a new study has found. The survey, conducted by St James's Hospital and supported by Age Friendly, also revealed that such feelings of loneliness can also have an impact on physical wellbeing.
1 In 3 Elderly People 'Are Lonely'
One in three people, over the age of 65 and who live in their own homes, are said to have experienced feelings of loneliness, a new study has found. The survey, conducted by St James's Hospital and supported by Age Friendly, also revealed that such feelings of loneliness can also have an impact on physical wellbeing.
07 October 2013
HSE In Flu Vaccination Call
The Health Service Executive (HSE) is encouraging 'at-risk' groups to get vaccinated against the flu before the winter arrives. The vaccination is strongly recommended for those over the age of 65, those with long-term medical conditions, pregnant women, healthcare workers and carers of those in the 'at-risk' groups.
HSE In Flu Vaccination Call
The Health Service Executive (HSE) is encouraging 'at-risk' groups to get vaccinated against the flu before the winter arrives. The vaccination is strongly recommended for those over the age of 65, those with long-term medical conditions, pregnant women, healthcare workers and carers of those in the 'at-risk' groups.
-
Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Perhaps a touch of ground frost. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
