Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)

I welcome these measures. I met a senior retired civil servant recently and I told him I had just finished tabling the equivalent of amendment No. 21 and that he would in future be able to sit on the appropriate jury. He inquired if I was in my right mind. The point is that if one is in one's right mind, one should have the opportunity to serve. Some older people wish to carry out an act of good citizenship. There are now a greater number of persons of 65 years of age and over than 30 years ago. The amendment is positive, allowing older people to participate, and will benefit society from the contribution of experienced people with time on their hands and an interest in this area. Can the Minister of State say with regard to the capacity of one to excuse oneself from service, if there provision for a person over 65 years of age who chooses not to serve?

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