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

Amendment No. 8, which I proposed on Report Stage, removed the requirement for a commencement order to bring the provisions of the Bill into effect. It waives the Department’s requirement for a commencement order. This will ensure the maximum number of public servants can avail of the new compulsory retirement age of 70 as soon as possible. The Bill will now become effective as soon as it is signed by the President. Under the Constitution, the President can sign a Bill on the fifth, sixth or seventh day after it is presented to him for signature. It is likely, therefore, that the Bill will come into effect over the holiday period.

Once it comes into effect, any public servant covered by the legislation who has not already reached the compulsory retirement age, will have a new compulsory retirement age of 70 and will have the choice to work to that age if he or she wishes. The Bill, as drafted, contains a commencement provision, which I propose to waive with the support of the House.