Feargal Quinn (Independent)

I add my words of congratulations to Senator Mullen on coming up with this positive proposal. We often examine, tinker and make minor adjustments to legislation but Senator Mullen has identified a real need. I say this with the knowledge that I am getting on in years and that I will challenge the future republican candidate in the US for age. I gather he is in his 70s. A number of steps must be taken, of which this is one example.

When I was elected to the House in 1993, one of the first amendments I tabled was to the Unfair Dismissals (Amendment) Act. The legislation had been circulated to all interested parties, including the trade unions. My amendment included discrimination on the basis of age as unacceptable for dismissal. The Minister at the time accepted it because the age of a person is easily identifiable. The trade unions wrote to me later expressing amazement that they had not identified this as something that was required. They were surprised that an employer rather than a trade unionist had identified it.

There are a number of other areas that discriminate on the grounds of age. I was unaware that one could not be called for jury service after the age of 70. I gather that will be changed to allow the option. Tourists who visit Ireland and want to rent a car have great difficulty if they are over 70.

The former US ambassador to Norway, Mr. Bob Stuart, visited me today. I have known him for years and he is in Ireland because a relative is graduating. He and his wife had lunch with me and he told me he is 92 years of age. He was interested in everything that was happening in Ireland as well as keeping me up to date on matters in the US. We should not lose the talents of such people. Senator Mullen has suggested positively discriminating — if that is the term — in favour of those who would have been seen as citizens who had served their purpose and no longer had a contribution to make to society. This is a good way to ensure they do, that they are kept on board and kept interested. I urge the Minister of State to give serious consideration to these three amendments which attempt to identify the needs, requirements and benefits that may accrue to people who may not have been regarded as full members of society because they were regarded as past it. There is great talent and we should use it.