184. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the implications of aging demographics as set out in the Future Forty report; and the actions his Department will take as a result. [69523/25]

Sentiment score: 0.00

This is an incredibly important report, as the Tánaiste said. I welcome the fact that he acknowledges the role of AI and technology, and how it may change our lives. It is worthy of a full debate in the House. Given the statistics we are looking at, by 2041, on current projections, there will be 1.4 million people aged 65 and older, and by 2065, there will be 2 million people aged 65 and older, triple the number at present. This is of particular interest to the Tánaiste, given he is probably the youngest in the Chamber, so he will have to keep working to fund all of our pensions. The pension issue is certainly something we will need to address. We need to look at how we are designing our communities and societies. It is critical that we engage with older people’s representatives around that. I have asked the Tánaiste before about keeping people healthier as they get older, and the commitments within the programme for Government for tax relief for gym membership, which is critical.

Sentiment score: 0.27

I agree with Deputy Clendennen on auto-enrolment. It is essential, but it is important that we take on board the concerns of SMEs. It is very welcome that we now have life expectancy of 83 in this country. It is a huge success that we are at that point. One of the challenges is that we age healthily. In Singapore, as part of the old age package, admission to community gyms and swimming pools is free for those over 65. There is a commitment in the programme for Government to tax relief for gym membership in order to promote strength training. What is critical is that we ensure that those who are in their 40s and 50s, and then in their 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s, can remain healthy. It is critical to engage with organisations like the National Older People's Council, and I know Kevin Molloy in my own area is regularly raising issues around this. We need to involve older people in the discussions on these issues as well.

Sentiment score: 0.45

I accept the Deputy's point that there are some examples in the sector but it is important to remember there are up to 16,000 people directly or indirectly employed in film, television and animation production in this country, including in the Tánaiste's constituency and in mine. For every €1 invested under section 481, the return to the State is estimated at nearly €4. It is a significant part of our economy. Deputy Boyd Barrett is correct that we need to be concerned about some of the residuals particularly with regard to the impact of artificial intelligence. The joint Oireachtas committee will look at the issue of the impact of AI on the creative industries and the long-term future for actors. This is a vibrant sector. While there are problems, I do not want it to be painted as a widespread phenomenon. There are a lot of really good employers creating incredible work that showcases Ireland nationally and internationally.

Sentiment score: 0.29