Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees
Wednesday, 3 May 2017
Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality
Employment Equality (Abolition of Mandatory Retirement Age) Bill 2016: Discussion
9:00 am
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Thank you Deputy Brady. I do not know the extent of the lobby that members of the committee have been individually subjected to in respect of this Bill, but I can confirm to the committee and to Deputy Brady, that this has been one of the most active lobbies that I have personally experienced, either in my capacity as a Deputy or as Chair of this committee. There has been a significant lobby from throughout the country. In fact I wrote to a great number of people yesterday to advise that the committee was facilitating this pre-Committee Stage scrutiny this morning. I hope that they are watching or have the opportunity to watch a recording.
I think I am representing the views expressed when I note that the unanimous position on Second Stage is continuing in this committee and state that we, as a committee, look forward to the facilitation of Committee Stage of this legislation as soon as possible. We will be preparing a report. It will be furnished to the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality as an ex officiomember of the committee for any observations, but we would urge Government to facilitate the onward passage of this Bill into law. That is one of the most important concluding statements I can make while Deputy Brady is still here with us this morning, not just for his own benefit but for the benefit of the many people I know from the lobby I have received not only from my own constituency, but from across the country. Some are in their 60s and looking at the calendar. It is almost like an advent calendar. They are afraid to open the little boxes, it is getting ever closer, but they are very anxious about this legislation. It could be their last chance to be able to continue in fruitful employment - employment that they love, appreciate and in which they want to be able to continue. On behalf of the committee I would like to send our good wishes to them in the hope that we collectively and individually will be able to assist in that objective.
Would Deputy Brady like to make any closing point before I draw this session to a close?