Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I accept the principle that Deputy Ó Cuív and other Deputies have put forward, including Deputy Fitzpatrick earlier. To be fair, I outlined in the reply that a significant move has been made in respect of 21 years' service, I believe, and going to 50 years of age.

I accept the basic principle that the world has changed. Ireland has gained 25 years in lifespan for Irish people compared to 1922. There has been a dramatic improvement in lifespan in the past 20 years in respect of cardiac issues, disease survival, and so on. I have seen 50-year-olds who are fitter than 25-year-olds.

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