Ceist:
108 Mr. Coveney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the measures she has to reintegrate the over 55s in the workforce; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26653/00]
Written Answers. - Job Initiative.
Liam Burke
Ceist:139 Mr. L. Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the actions she is taking to encourage older people back into the workforce; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26709/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 108 and 139 together.
Given forecast trends in the population with numbers in the older age groups forecast to rise, I believe we have to provide employment opportunities to older persons over 55 who may wish to avail of them.
Initiatives here embrace both encouraging retired persons who may wish to do so to return to the labour market and removing barriers to women in the home from their participation in the workforce. Measures to assist older unemployed and males outside the labour force in their transition to or return to the labour market are also a feature of the overall strategic approach.
The Government's policy of reducing the overall tax burden on labour, the reform of the tax system with the implementation of a tax credit system of standard rating the basic single and married persons allowances and the PAYE allowance and the individualisation of the standard rate tax band, all serve to increase the incentive for persons to return to work. This approach is being supplemented with measures to assist older unemployed persons in their transition to the open labour market.
Other aspects of this area relate to pension and retirement provision, flexibility in employment opportunities and matching skills to the jobs available.
I am considering these issues at present and I intend to meet with employer representatives to consider the practical steps that can be taken to encourage the return of retired persons or persons over 55 to the workplace.
Question No. 109 taken with Question No. 92.