New law will stop increase in pension age to 67 - Naughten

Roscommon/Galway TD Denis Naughten has welcomed news that legislation will be introduced by Government in the coming weeks to retain the pension age at 66.

Deputy Naughten is Chairperson of the Dáil Social Protection Committee and he said Minister Heather Humphries has informed the committee that new legislation will be brought forward in the coming weeks to keep the pension age at 66 - pending the report of the Commission on Pensions.

Deputy Naughten (pictured above) welcomed the Minister’s comments, pointing out that there are many people due to turn 66 in early 2021 who are extremely concerned about this looming deadline.

“The fact is that people paid into their pension in good faith and as a result have a legitimate expectation over when they will receive their State pension,” explained Denis Naughten.

“I believe that no-one should be forced to retire against their wishes at the age of 65 or, alternatively, made to keep working until the age of 68 in order to receive their pension.

“I do understand that there are a number of people who may want to continue to work until the age of 68 to pay additional pension contributions and I believe they should be facilitated to do so if that is their wish.

“I also believe that nobody should be forced to retire at 65 and if this does happen to them, they must be able to access their pension or an equivalent payment," he continued.

“While the Minister’s announcement to postpone any change to the pension age provides reassurance to older people who are about to retire, I look forward to engagement with the soon to be established Commission on Pensions on how best to develop our pension system in Ireland,” concluded Denis Naughten.

The Terms of Reference for the Commission on Pensions are currently being developed and options for its membership are being considered. Proposals will then be brought to Government and the intention is that the Commission will report to Government by June of 2021.