Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Amendment No. 3 was tabled by Deputy Jonathan O'Brien on Committee Stage in the Dáil. The amendment, which I accepted, relates to the Minister's power to increase the compulsory retirement again in the future, by order, in certain circumstances. Section 3A(2) of the Bill provides a power for the Minister to increase the compulsory retirement age further in the future, up to a maximum age of 75. Subject to certain conditions, Deputy O'Brien's amendment removes the upper age limit of 75, although it is difficult to see where the proposed cap of 75 will prove to problematic. In the interests of facilitating the passage of the legislation, the removal of the cap and the discretionary power made available to the Minister were agreed in the Dáil.