Martin Mansergh (Fianna Fail)

This is not a question of amending the Bill but a matter of justice. I have some reservations. Some extremely fit and capable middle ranking and senior gardaí must retire at the age of 60. In the interest of the public they should not necessarily have to do so. The question of fitness is a priority and an important criterion. However, I question the assumption that if one is a garda, one is not fit to do the job after the age of 60. While many gardaí are happy to retire at that stage, others would be fit and capable to work on if they chose and would give great public service. The point of the Bill in general is that 60 years is much too early a retirement age for most people, subject to the fitness criterion.