IRELAND
Public Service employees in Ireland have finally been given clarity on a situation in which they would have been forced to retire at 65 but be unable to claim a pension until a year later.
New rules now mean workers can continue in their jobs until age 70 if they wish.
Around 5,000 older workers were already caught out when it came to social welfare entitlements, with many left without any option but to sign up for the dole and formally pretend they were available for work.
Thousands more would have joined them in coming years.
The legislation will apply to most PS employees recruited before April 2004, other than the designated uniform grades such as Gardaí (police), prison officers, firefighters and members of the permanent Defence Force.
Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe said retirement at 70 would now be compulsory.
“Workers now have the choice to work beyond the age of 65 to age 70, on existing terms and conditions if they so choose, subject to the normal standards of health and performance,” Mr Donohoe said.
“The new compulsory retirement age of 70 reflects the fact that people are living longer, healthier lives and that many wish to remain at work for longer because they feel they have more to contribute to work and to society.”
Mr Donohoe’s Junior Minister, Patrick O’Donovan described it as a great step forward for the Public Service, ensuring it did not prematurely lose the wealth of experience built up over the years.
“Public Servants who decide to work beyond the age of 65 can continue to accrue retirement benefits, subject to a maximum of 40 years’ service,” Mr O’Donovan said.
“Without the change, the problem would have been compounded by the raising of the pension age to 67 in four years’ time, and a further rise to 68 inside a decade.”
Dublin, 15 January 2019
