We are disappointed that the Government has chosen to defer a decision on the Industrial Amendments Bill for 12 months. This Bill, brought forward by Bríd Smith TD, sought to give retired people the right to be represented by their organisation or union in dealing with their former employers over changes to their pension entitlements and benefits. 

This is an issue that has been affecting retired workers for well over a decade, with ISCP campaigning throughout that time, and it is frustrating that this Bill will not yet go to Committee stage for further work. On June 29th, members of ISCP’s executive gathered with other organisations representing pensioner’s rights to rally for the Government to adopt the Industrial Relations Amendments Bill – you can watch back our video above.

NEXT STEPS

An Tánaiste Leo Varadkar has committed, in an answer to a parliamentary question, to holding consultation with stakeholders over the course of the coming year.  ISCP, along with other sectoral groups, is seeking to engage with the Government in this process and ensure that the voice of older people is to the fore in all policy formation, and we will be acting as a convenor for this collaboration. 

If you would like more information on this issue, contact our Head of Policy and Communications Una Power at policyandcommunications@seniors.ie. 

We will be keep a close eye on the Government over the next 12 months to hold them to their promise of reviewing this Bill and addressing it within the promised timeline. Over 500,000 retired workers are affected by this issue, and they are not going away. 

Watch back our Webinar on this issue below: