A bill to increase the retirement age to 70 has begun its passage through the Oireachtas.
Introducing the second stage of the Public Service Superannuation Bill, Minister of State Michael D'Arcy said that long-serving public servants would be able to continue their employment.
He pointed out that some people face financial commitments such as mortgages and supporting children through third-level education.
Mr D'Arcy said that not only would the legislation facilitate those who wish to remain at work, it would also address the income gap being experienced by public servants.
Currently those who retire at 65, do not receive a State pension until they are 66.
Minister D'Arcy said that adjusting this was the driving force behind the legislation.
Fianna Fáil TD Barry Cowen expressed his support for the increase in the retirement age, which he described as "out of step" in its current form.
Mr Cowen also said the benefits to society were easy to see.
Sinn Féin's Brian Stanley said the bill was in the spirit of one brought before the Dáil by his party regarding mandatory retirement age across all sectors.
He said the current bill responds to the challenges of an ageing society by allowing people to work longer.
