Sinn Féin Councillor Pa Daly has said that in government, his party would stop the upcoming pension age increase due to come in next year.
Cllr. Daly will contest next month’s general election for his party in Kerry and is aiming to hold the seat held since 2002 by Deputy Martin Ferris.
“The pension age is to increase to 67 in January 2021 and to 68 in 2028 meaning that today’s workers, and especially those approaching retirement, may not access their State Pension at 66 years, as is the situation currently,” said Cllr. Daly.
Highest Pension Ages
“These increases will see Ireland have one of the highest pension ages in the world,” said Cllr. Daly. “At the moment, those obliged by contract to retire at 65 years are forced on to a job-seekers payment for one year before accessing their State Pension at 66 years.
“From next year, retirees will be forced on to a jobseekers payment for two years. This is a ridiculous and unacceptable situation for people who have worked hard and paid their taxes, in some cases, for a lifetime.
“This will see Ireland have a pension age that is well ahead of the majority of our EU counterparts. “Our neighbours, England, do not plan to move their pension age to 68 years until 2046, eighteen years after Ireland.
Pension Age Task Force
“Sinn Féin has consistently called on the Government to suspend these pension age increases.
“Before the Dáil was dissolved Sinn Féin had published a Bill calling on the Government to establish a Pension Age Task Force to look at pension age and make recommendations based on evidence rather than cost saving measures.
“Nobody due to retire should be forced on to a job-seekers payment. And everyone should have the right to retire at 65, if that is their wish,” said Cllr. Daly.
