The Minister for Public Expenditure and reform, Brendan Howlin TD, has responded to concerns raised about the state pension by Siptu’s general president Jack O’Connor. The concerns raised by Mr O’Connor are about workers forced to retire at 65 but who do not get the state pension until they are 66.

Mr Howlin wrote to Mr O’Connor in October committing to "comprehensively" address the problem, and acknowledged that Mr O’Connor had raised an important issue.

"There would appear to be a disconnect between policy and practice here that needs to be examined," he said, adding that he was conscious that the state pension age is set to increase to 67 in 2021 and to 68 in 2028. He said that this could exacerbate the problem outlined by Mr O’Connor.

"In light of this, I think we need to move now to address this issue in a comprehensive and sustainable way, including through legislation as required.” Mr Howlin said that he will present a memo to the Cabinet to bring the matter to the attention of his ministerial colleagues.

He said that he was recommending that his officials and officials from other relevant departments "work together" to scope out the issues involved, define appropriate solutions and report back to him "as soon as practicable”.

You can read the full letter here.