Michael McDowell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

The former Minister, Alan Shatter, extended the period of service required for a pension from 15 to 20 years. I will not be too unfair but the process was strange because this provision was not referred to in the explanatory memorandum to the pensions Bill in question. This effectively means that, if someone has not been appointed by the age of 50, he or she cannot get a full pension. It must dampen people's willingness to become judges if they have effectively have to begin mobilising at the age of 48 to put themselves forward. There is an big issue there in respect of experience.