Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I do not necessarily want to predict an outcome to any discussions, but we need to have an ongoing conversation with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on the appropriate age up to which people should be allowed to continue to serve in the Defence Forces. The way that training works now, fitness levels can be held for longer. I am open to exploring whether we can look at age limits with an open mind in order to try to ensure that people who are providing good service to the Permanent Defence Force and who are still fit and strong and well able to do their jobs are not being forced into retirement because they meet an age threshold. It is not as easy as just deciding to do that and announcing it, however. These things need to be negotiated because they have knock-on implications, particularly in the context of pensions, that need to be discussed and negotiated with the Departments of Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform. It has taken us quite a long time to reach agreement in relation to the issue relating to sergeants recruited after 1 January 1994. I thank the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Michael McGrath, who was very helpful at the end in terms of agreeing a position. However, this is a matter that we will continue to discuss with his Department in the new year because there is more to do in respect of it.