Retirement: Time’s Up or Time for Change? Episode 484

In this episode, Niall takes on a question that affects every generation: Should we scrap the retirement age and let people work as long as they want?

With the Employment (Contractual Retirement Ages) Bill 2025 moving through the Dáil, big changes could be on the way. Under the proposed law, employees would have the right to refuse retirement before the State Pension Age, and employers would need to justify why a contractual retirement age is necessary. Failure to respond could even carry criminal penalties.

But is this a step forward—or a step too far? Supporters argue it values experience, eases pension pressures, and gives older workers real choice. Critics warn it could undermine the promise of retirement, strain those in physically demanding jobs, and block opportunities for younger generations.

Niall breaks down the details, weighs up the pros and cons, and opens the phone lines for listeners to share their views. Should retirement be a right—or just an option?