It’s been reported that the Pensions Commission has recommended that a planned increase in the State pension age to 67 should be delayed by at least seven years.

Media reports say that the commission has urged social protection minister Heather Humphreys to instead increase the State pension age to 67 in quarterly increments between 2028 and 2031.

The commission’s report, submitted to the minister last week, also said to have recommended that the age be gradually increased to 68 by between 2032 and 2039.

The age at which the State pension kicks in rose from 65 to 66 in 2014. Plans to increase it to 67 this year were postponed following pressure from the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and others. Instead, the Pensions Commission was asked to consider the issue and make recommendations.

The recent media reports say the commission has also recommended a requirement that workers make 40 years of social insurance contributions to qualify for a full State pension. Current arrangements allow people to qualify for a full pension after ten years, while the amount they receive is based on average yearly contributions.

Fórsa has urged full publication of the report and its recommendations.