Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy makes a very fair point. I am very conscious of this and not only with regard to the Garda, where physical ability is part of the job. Obviously one wishes to have a balance between younger and more senior members in that regard. We also looked at this in terms of the Army. Even in the Civil Service and so forth there must be an intake. I am very mindful of that and, within the structures of reducing employment control frameworks, I will try to shape replacements so we can continue to not only provide a refreshment of talent within the public service, but also to ensure we do not reach a stage where a big gap has built up over five to eight years. I am mindful of the point the Deputy makes.