Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2023
1028. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Social Protection the current position of employees who are obliged to retire from their employment at the age of 65 years as regards eligibility for a State pension; the benefits available to these ex-workers between the age of 65 and 66 years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38292/23]
View answerIn February 2021, I introduced the "Benefit Payment for 65 year olds" in line with the Programme for Government commitment, to provide a benefit payment for people who are aged 65 and who are required to retire, or who chose to retire, without a requirement to sign on, engage in activation measures or be available for and genuinely seeking work. This new payment was designed specifically to bridge the gap for people who retire from employment or self-employment at 65 years of age but who do not qualify for the State Pension until age 66.
Last year, in response to the recommendations from the Report on Commission on Pensions, the Government agreed that the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment would introduce measures that allow, but do not compel, an employee to stay in employment until the State Pension age. The implementation of these measures is in process.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
