Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I understand why the Deputy is raising the issue and I am conscious certain members of the service have been asking for this. However, it is not something that has been brought to my attention on a larger scale, either by the unions or management. It is an issue on which I can do a bit more digging. I recognise that the retirement age is a conversation that is happening in regard to many jobs, but there is an extra dimension to this job, given the physical demands on firefighters. That is why the expert panel relied on international best practice. It was not dreamed up and there was a sound basis to it. Nonetheless, I have no problem in digging a bit behind that because I am conscious that, as the Deputy said, it is 15 years since the decision was made. While there has not been a clamour for this to be looked at, as the Deputy has asked the question, I will ask around and see if there have been changes in other countries that we might need to follow. We relied on best practice at that time and I will make sure that has not changed in other countries.

In regard to pensions, I must check the point but I would imagine they are entitled to certain parts of their pension related to their job, if not the State pension. That is also something we can look at. I understand the spirit in which the Deputy has raised the point and I will give due consideration to whether it is appropriate to look at this again and perhaps set up a new expert panel. If it is, we will do that, but it might not be appropriate just yet. We will look at what is happening in other countries and then come to a decision. I will consult the Deputy at a later stage.

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