Mark Duffy (Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister of State for the reply. Obviously I am disappointed by it and I contest it. The key message in the reply is that section 161 "... allows the Minister to designate such class, description or grade of employments to which this restriction does not apply or to specify conditions under which the restriction does not apply". There is scope for flexibility there. It is a stroke of a pen. It is a power within the gift of the Minister. Regarding full-time firefighters, a small, niche group of people, perhaps one of two at maximum, would fall into it. I appreciate the Minister does not want to open that gate for a host of other elements of the local authority, but firefighters do incredible work in the community. Councillor Robert Nash does incredible work for his town and community and should not be discriminated against compared with retained firefighters who often earn over the threshold. It is something I would like to pursue further and work with the Minister of State on. Perhaps there are ways to follow through on this niche and particular issue.