Batt O'Keeffe
Ceist:81 Mr. B. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Equality and Law Reform his views on the EU policy which bans the recruitment of persons more than 35 years of age. [11230/96]
Written Answers. - EU Recruitment Policy.
I am not aware of a general EU policy banning the recruitment of persons of more than 35 years of age, although I understand that the European Commission operates an age limit of 35 for basic recruitment grades with derogations in certain circumstances. The practices of the various institutions of the EU in relation to conditions of recruitment are primarily matters for the institutions concerned.
In Ireland I will shortly bring forward employment equality legislation which will prohibit the arbitrary imposition of age discrimination in employment. This will build on improved age limit provisions in Irish public service employments. An upper age limit of 50 years now applies to posts in the Civil Service, which were previously restricted to those under 30 years of age, and to most posts in health boards and local authorities.