Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I heard the Minister's reply and understand his position on the matter. I agree with the remarks made by other Deputies about forcing people to retire in their 40s. Defence Forces personnel are required to pass fitness tests which, if not met, results in their discharge, which is fair enough. However, some of the men and women concerned are very young, fit and healthy and bring a wealth of experience to the table. In other areas such as construction in which the work is every bit as challenging physically tradesmen work into their late 50s, while labourers work up to the age of 54 or 55 years. In employing Defence Forces personnel up to the age of 50 years we would not retaining them beyond use. The French Foreign Legion recruits up to the age of 40 years, which means that it recruits personnel up to the same age at which Defence Forces personnel are forced to retire.

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