Bernard Allen
Ceist:187 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to an age bar imposed by public bodies for appointments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3256/98]
Written Answers. - Appointments to Public Bodies.
The Deputy will be aware that in this matter my responsibility is confined to the Civil Service. Within the Civil Service there is, for most appointments from open competitions, an age limit of 50 years. Up to 1991 the age limits were often considerably lower but were, in most cases, increased to 50 in line with a commitment given in the Programme for Economic and Social Progress.
The human resources management group which has been developing a comprehensive set of proposals for change in the area of personnel policy across the Civil Service is, I understand, due to look at this question as part of its deliberations.
The Deputy will, of course, be aware that the Employment Equality Bill, 1997, legislating against discrimination on a number of grounds, including age, will have its Second Reading in Seanad Éireann on Thursday, 12 February 1998.