Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Senators for their constructive approach, and will convey the views of Senator Tuffy to the Government. I realise the urgency of this matter, and that during the recent period of very rapid economic growth, bottlenecks developed in certain sectors of the labour market, as Senators are aware. These could have been alleviated in certain areas known to me, but for the compulsory retirement age. We saw an example in the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, where we lost some of the best detectives in Limerick at a time when we could ill afford to do so, because they were obliged to retire at a certain age. The Minister is now taking action in this area.

I realise the urgency, but in view of the potential industrial relations implications and the seismic change contemplated in the matter under discussion, which is engaging governments throughout Europe, it would be unwise to draw up deadlines. The Government is aware of the urgency of the situation, and I will convey the views expressed by Senators today.

Regarding what Senator Quinn said, I do not want to make an announcement today on what will be contained in the legislation from the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, which will be published next Friday. The Minister referred in his Budget Statement to the notion of allowing new entrants to the public service a contractual right to work beyond the traditional retirement age. The legislation will reflect that promise and will deal with ancillary matters. It will also give us a good indication where we are going in regard to the private sector. I will say nothing further about that today. I have not seen the legislation, which will be published by Friday at the latest.