Peter Fitzpatrick (Louth, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I have spoken to the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste in recent weeks about privates in the Army being forced to retire at the age of 50. I know a man who is only 50 years of age. He has a family of three and is being forced to retire. He is a chef. The Army has only paid him pennies. He wants to work on. I have asked the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste what they are going to do. In two weeks' time, this man will be forced to leave the Army. That is an absolute disgrace. The numbers in our Defence Forces are below 8,000. The Army brought in this man and trained him to be a qualified chef. That is only one example. Will the Government sort this matter out, once and for all? These are public servants who are being forced to retire at the age of 50.

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