Fergal Browne (Fine Gael)

As Senator O'Toole pointed out, the principle of an exception has already been established in terms of the gardaí. All this side of the House wishes to establish is that it be extended to new entrants in the colleges of education.

In response to Senator Ormonde, far more gardaí are involved in other duties outside the force than teachers working outside of teaching. The point I made was about the B. Ed. being very specific in terms of getting jobs afterwards. People who enrolled in the colleges, including those who registered in the postgraduate course last September and this month, were thinking of 35 or 40 years ahead. Retirement age would have been a factor in the making of their decision. That goal post has now been moved and it is proper that an exception is made for that group of people.