Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I would argue that it does not reflect the operational nature for a senior garda to be forced to retire at 60 years of age. The equality authority under the remit of the Minister's Department agreed that the State could face compensation claims from senior officers who have been forced to retire at the age of 60 instead of aged 63. Could the Minister clarify if that is the case?

There is a precedent for the signing of a statutory instrument in this regard. Senator McDowell, as Minister, previously signed one for the age to be moved from 57 to 60. As the Minister said, this can be done for those who joined before 2004. We addressed the inequality in the entry age of people joining the Garda and it really must also be addressed now at the other end. It is taking far too long.

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