Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister. I know the scheduling of the House is a matter for the Business Committee but allowing for the fact that it is at Committee Stage on 12 December, it is leaving it tight. Is there a chance that we could pass this before Christmas? It would be great for people and I have concerns for people who will reach their birthdays over the Christmas period were the legislation not to pass. We are in the hands of the committee as well to try to expedite it through as much as we can but it is an issue that we should work on with all sides of the House to try to get it through as quickly as we can.

I understand that the Minister is saying the increase is for those recruited prior to 1 April 2004 and up to the age of 70. That means that different age limits will not apply to different public servants. When it changes it will be 70 years of age for all. Can the Minister confirm that this measure is open to all public servants so that there are not different rules for different elements of the public service?

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