I propose to take Questions Nos. 279 to 281, inclusive, together.
I refer the Deputy to my answer to Questions Nos. 271 to 273, inclusive, of May 19th 2009.
The maximum recruitment age limit for admission as a trainee full time member of An Garda Síochána was set taking into account a number of criteria including the significant training cost which can only be recouped by serving a sufficient period and the operational requirements of the Force in terms of having an age profile appropriate to the demands placed on members in the course of their duty.
Retirement of members of An Garda Síochána is governed by a number of statutory regulations which have the cumulative effect of setting the standard retirement age for members at 60 years of age. This age is objectively and reasonably justifiable taking into account the general operational requirements of the force and is consistent with Equality legislation and EU directives on the matter. Of course members with 30 years service may retire on a full pension at any time once they reach 50 years of age for those who joined prior to 2004 and 55 years of age for those who joined since that date.
The higher recruitment and retirement ages for membership of the Garda Reserve take into account the volunteer nature of that force, the reduced number of hours of duty required of them and the limited nature of the duties assigned to them by the Commissioner.