Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I support my colleague, Senator Wilson, in respect of the amendment he has tabled and have a question for the Minister of State on foot of his statement here. Is there a particular timeframe the Department has set by way of a review of this retirement age and of keeping it to 65? It unquestionably is anomalous when one has one cohort of judges who must retire at 65 and then apply for a late retirement option. Members would be happier if they knew whether the review has started and by when it is intended to conclude. Senator Bacik mentioned the report of the Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality and I certainly will read it. I have a specific interest in this issue and the Minister of State and I also have discussed compulsory retirement in previous debates. The point also has been well made by Senators Barrett and Wilson that people wish to work beyond the age of 65. The State pension has been moved out to 68 for most people and by the time any Members get to retire, it probably will be 70-plus, given improved life expectancy. Can Members be provided with an indication as to the nature and the timeframe of the review? Has a deadline been set on the publication of that review and where will it go from there?