Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)

I am speaking from the notes provided to the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Howlin, who apologises for not being here.

The difficulty that arises is that currently there is no upper age limit set. This legislation seeks to put in place a limit. As already stated by the Minister, this provision will not apply to people already in the system. Deputy McDonald has discussed at length the differential between Members of the Oireachtas and other workers. However, this provision seeks to address the lack of security and tenure of employment for Members of the Oireachtas. The age of 70 years is the upper limit. No one will be prevented from retiring at a lower age. It is important that there are clear guidelines in place in this regard. For instance, for staff recruited before 2004 a maximum retirement age of 65 years generally applies.

The Bill proposes a maximum retirement age of 70 years for single scheme members, except for certain elected officeholders and positions such as the President and Oireachtas Members. I understand the argument which the Deputy makes. However, I do not accept the notion that any of us would be so successful as to continue to be re-elected well into our seventies. It is accepted that there should be no age limit, other than the lower one, in respect of the President.

This is a new scheme. We all know people who would wish to continue in employment beyond the age of 65 years. There is nothing in the Bill which prevents people retiring at an earlier age. I am unable to accept the Deputy's amendment.

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