Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 23 Mar 1994

Vol. 440 No. 5

Written Answers. - Age Requirements of Semi-State Bodies.

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

19 Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Equality and Law Reform whether there is any policy on the practice by semi-State bodies to impose upper age limits on applicants for positions with semi-State bodies; and, if there is no policy whether it is proposed to bring in any guidelines regarding this practice.

Minister for Equality and Law Reform (Mr. Taylor)

I am not aware of any policy by semi-State bodies generally to impose upper age limits on applicants for positions with such bodies. Semi-State bodies, like other employers, make their own decisions as to what age limits, if any, to apply in respect of appointments to any particular position or positions.

My Department is engaged in the preparation of proposals for broadranging employment equality legislation in accordance with a commitment given in the Programme for a Partnership Government and re-affirmed in theProgramme for Competitiveness and Work. It is envisaged that the proposed legislation will deal with age discrimination, including the setting of inappropriately low ages for recruitment to employment in both the public and private sectors.