Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)

On amendments Nos. 15 and 16, it is important to draw a distinction between people who are employed pre-2004 and post-2004. The requirement to retire at the age 65 relates to employees appointed before 1 April 2004. This is a condition of the superannuation scheme to which these employees belong. However, there is no upper age limit for retirement for employees of the board who are appointed on or after April 2004. This is in line with the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004. Subsection (3) provides that the Minister for Health may, by order, increase the age limit upwards from 65 years in exceptional circumstances. This means that the Minister for Health can raise the age of retirement. I consider this will give the maximum flexibility regarding retirement age and I urge Members to accept the provision in the Bill as it stands.