Séamus Hughes
Question:121 Mr. Hughes asked the Minister for the Environment his views on the imposition of an age limit of 35 years to persons applying for positions in the fire services; and his views on whether this is discriminatory. [11351/95]
Written Answers. - Fire Services Posts.
Séamus Hughes
Question:131 Mr. Hughes asked the Minister for the Environment whether an age limit in excess of 35 years exists to prevent person applying for positions to the fire services; and the circumstances, if any, in which this age limitation can be exceeded. [11352/95]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 121 and 131 together.
The upper age limit for recruitment to local authority officer posts, including those in the fire services, is, in general, 50 years. The upper age limit does not apply in the case of existing pensionable officers of local authorities or health boards in the State.
The setting of upper age limits for recruitment to non-officer posts, including firefighters, is a matter for each employing authority and one in which I do not have a direct function. I understand, however, that most local authorities have set an upper age limit of 35 years or less for retained firefighters, having regard to the nature of induction and specialist training, the need for able-bodied personnel of an age group which is commensurate with the functional requirements of the fire service, and the retirement age of 55.