Elderly may be given option of gradual retirement

The Minister for Social Affairs has asked the National Pensions Board to examine the idea of giving older people the option of withdrawing from the workforce gradually instead of retiring at 66.

Seamus Brennan was speaking at the launch of a report on ageing, which he says aims to create a more age-friendly society.

Mr Brennan said: "The report lays out a number of suggestions, but mainly it recognises that older people in society are not a problem or a burden, they are actually a resource, an asset for the country.

"After all the country and the so-called 'Celtic Tiger' was largely built by these people."