Mary White (Fianna Fail)

I would like the Minister to let me know about this aspect. If we had an independent police authority, it would be recommending that we hold on to good people aged 57. Why should a young sergeant have to retire at 57 and why should a young superintendent have to retire at 60? I just learned of this last week, and I never heard such nonsense. It is so archaic that people who are healthy and dedicated to their job should have to retire. If a semi-State organisation had its own authority it could make changes as it goes along. I am sorry to have to say so, but Departments do not make changes in this way. They do not react quickly to changes in society. I have the highest regard and respect for public servants, but they are not able to make quick changes. Why does a sergeant have to retire at 57 years of age in this day and age?