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

That policy emerged in the 1990s for different reasons and in a different context. The issue the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform is concerned about is fast accrual pensions. I have had discussions with the Minister. An interdepartmental group is working on this matter because it applies across the board, not only to military personnel but potentially to all uniform services in the public service. That is the issue. I have asked for some interim measure and some have already been taken in respect of privates, corporals, sergeants and so forth. I am sympathetic to the idea of extending the time limits for retirement as lifespan has increased dramatically, especially in the past 20 years. Views that might have applied 30 years ago do no apply today as regards people's fitness levels and so on at an older age. Therefore it does not make sense that people retire at 50. We have to work through the implications of extending retirement ages in the military. I support that initiative and I am pursuing it.

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