Sinn Féin spokesperson on Enterprise, Trade, Employment and Workers’ Rights Louise O’Reilly TD has described the government’s repackaging of the dole for 65 year old’s – in an attempt to pass it off as a State Pension – as an ‘utter insult’.

Teachta O’Reilly said:

“One year on from the 2020 general election, when the electorate demanded meaningful action in relation to the entitlement of a State pension, the government have delivered nothing but an utter insult to retiring workers.

“The announcement by the Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys, that those retiring at 65 will receive a jobseekers payment without having to sign on does not address the substantial issue – that workers who have worked hard all their lives and paid into the system are being denied a State Pension.

“This move does not deliver a State Pension for these retiring workers, and because of their failure to deliver the pension and pension rate for those aged 65, these workers will be short €45 a week; which is over €2,000 a year.

“The government have simply repackaged the dole and tried to pass it off as the State Pension for over-65s. 

“Delivering on the right to retire at 65 was a key issue in the last election and it hasn’t gone away. 

“The repackaging of the dole does not address the key issue – all workers should have the right to retire with a State Pension at 65, if they so choose.”