I have spoken to the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste in recent weeks about privates in the Army being forced to retire at the age of 50. I know a man who is only 50 years of age. He has a family of three and is being forced to retire. He is a chef. The Army has only paid him pennies. He wants to work on. I have asked the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste what they are going to do. In two weeks' time, this man will be forced to leave the Army. That is an absolute disgrace. The numbers in our Defence Forces are below 8,000. The Army brought in this man and trained him to be a qualified chef. That is only one example. Will the Government sort this matter out, once and for all? These are public servants who are being forced to retire at the age of 50.

That is not really a matter for the Order of Business. I call the Taoiseach.

The matter raised by Deputy Fitzpatrick about retirement age is under consideration by the Tánaiste and the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform. It does not just relate to the Defence Forces. There are other professions, such as the Garda, where the issue of a mandatory retirement age is in question. The matter is currently being considered by Ministers.

In respect of the lapsing of the eviction moratorium, we are happy to facilitate statements later in the week, subject to agreement by the Whips, or, alternatively, we can do so during the week of 21 March when we return from the St. Patrick's Day recess. The moratorium does not lapse until 31 March, so there is plenty of time between now and then to have statements on the matter.

Of course, if Opposition parties wish to use their time for a Private Member's motion, which I am sure they will, there will be an opportunity to have a vote on this long before 31 March.