The Public Service Superannuation (Age of Retirement) Act 2018 allows public servants to continue working up to the age of 70, if they so choose. Community employment, CE, schemes, as the Taoiseach will know, provide essential services across towns, villages and parishes. They are publicly funded and provide employment and retraining opportunities with excellent social outcomes. There are currently 44 CE supervisors aged between 65 and 66. I am aware of one scheme where the supervisor is being made to retire in April. The ad for a replacement for that person has been up for a month, with no applicants or inquiries. Will the Government apply the Act to CE supervisors, given that it has broad support in this House and would allow people to work until they are 70? Will it end the age discrimination that applies to this unique group of people?

That legislation is enacted. As CE supervisors are not public servants, however, they are not covered by the legislation. It is, therefore, up to the employer in each case to decide whether it should be applied.

I see no reason the employer should not, but it is up to the employer to make the decision.