Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Minister is welcome to the House. I too welcome this broad-ranging Bill which covers a lot of areas, as Senator McDowell outlined. I welcome the appointment of extra judges. It is important that we have a Judiciary that operates in a timely manner. There is no doubt that the appointment of extra judges would be beneficial in that regard. I also welcome the provisions on firearms.

The retirement age is probably a debate for another day, but I welcome the fact that the retirement age for uniformed public servants will increase from 60 to 62. That is very much welcome. Senator Ward outlined the provision.As Senator Ward outlined, it is a fair point that on one hand we are extending the State pension to 66 years of age but we are asking people when they reach the age of 60 or 62, as it is now going to be, to retire. That is something we need to look at in more detail. Where somebody is in a fit capacity and wants to remain on in their job, there is no reason that retirement age could not be extended further. I very much welcome that.

Regarding the superannuation end of it, I know both ICTU and uniform sections have some concerns regarding that. I too would welcome if the Minister of State, or indeed, the Minister, Deputy McEntee, would meet with them to discuss a number of proposals they feel would be beneficial to this legislation. They would like an opportunity or a platform to discuss those with the Department. I would be grateful if the Minister of State would initiate that on behalf of those people. Again, I very much support this. I have one final question regarding the retirement age of 62 which he might be able to answer. Have we a timeframe as to when the legislation will be invoked for the retirement age to go up to 62? Is there a date or a timescale that the Minister of State can outline to the House this afternoon?