Fifty-eight people have complained of discrimination in their jobs on age grounds since the Employment Equality Act came into force in 1999. Sixty-six have complained of discrimination in access to services since the enactment of the Equal Status Act a year later.
These figures are contained in the latest report from the Equality Authority, Implementing Equality for Older People, published today.
Throughout Europe the age profile of the population is increasing, giving rise to an imbalance between those working and those not. That has already led to a number of European initiatives seeking more involvement of older people in work.
The European Council meeting at Lisbon set employment targets, which envisaged 50 per cent of older workers being employed by 2010, up from the current 37 per cent. This provides the background to the Equality Authority report, aimed at allowing older people to participate fully in society, including work.
The central thrust is that chronological age is not, in itself, an indicator of ability. It calls for respect for the contribution older people can make to the economy and society, and special provisions to help them overcome unnecessary obstacles.
The first step, it says, is to include in an overall review of the Constitution an amended equality clause outlawing discrimination on a range of grounds, including age. This had already been proposed by the Constitution Review Group. It also suggests changes in the rights of older people to be incorporated into mainstream legislation dealing with issues such as employment, health and welfare.
Discrimination in employment on age grounds can begin at 50 or younger, and the report advocates training for those in recruitment to ensure this does not occur.
It also proposes that provision be made for those between 50 and 65 who may wish to work part-time or more flexibly, and phased retirement. It also suggests special measures to allow those over 65 who want to work to be able to do so, with FÁS and other agencies providing education and training.
The report suggests that obstacles to work should be identified and, as far as possible, overcome. However, there should be no diminution of older people's pension rights, it says.
Upper-age limits for involvement in State boards should be abolished unless there is an objective justification for them. Time limits on terms of service could ensure people did not stay on indefinitely.
Outside work, the report says that older people be encouraged to participate at all levels of the education system.
There should also be an action plan for older people in the health strategy, and adequate support to enable them to live in their communities.
Age Action Ireland welcomed the report and called on the Government to implement its recommendations.