Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)

Deputy Broughan made several points that we rehearsed very carefully on Committee Stage and I do not want to rehash them. The Deputy was very specific in the queries he raised on the age specified and whether we can change it from 60 to 65.

As I explained on Committee Stage and reiterated here, it was the intent of my colleague, the former Minister of State Deputy Noel Ahern, to try to amend this following consultation with the representative bodies. He fully intended to change the age limit for marine pilots, but when he started trying to change it, the parliamentary draftsmen in the Office of the Attorney General raised a number of serious issues. These relate to health and safety, pension rights and contracts, etc., and it was not possible in the time available, and because of the other pressures of the Bill, to make progress in that area. I know that is a disappointment for the Deputies opposite who raised the matter and for marine pilots.

I undertake to remedy the situation as quickly as I can and I give a commitment now to do that, even though my notes use the word "probably". I commit now before my officials that the provision will be in the next Bill we bring forward, namely, the Merchant Shipping Bill.

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