Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 517: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on whether it is appropriate that members of An Garda Síochána would continue in full-time employment as Gardaí upon reaching the age of 60; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9192/08]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 518: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has plans to raise compulsory retirement age for senior Garda officers from its level of 60; if he is satisfied that the compulsory retirement age is consistent with obligations under equality law and anti-discrimination measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9195/08]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 517 and 518 together.

I believe that the compulsory retirement age of 60 within the Garda Síochána is fully consistent with the law on equality and anti-discrimination. While I have no proposal to raise this age limit, a claim to have it extended to 63 for superintendents and chief superintendents has been lodged with the Garda Conciliation and Arbitration Council. The official side will of course discuss this claim and its implications, including its implications for career development and progression within the Force and the favourable early retirement terms currently available to all members.