This week, I met some Carlow fire and rescue members. Two of them are nearly 60 so they are going to have to retire. We have good news that there is legislation coming in to allow our firefighters to stay on until the age of 62, which is really welcome. If the legislation is enacted prior to 16 May 2024, Carlow County Council will abide by it but, if not, the firefighters will have to retire on 16 May. What can we do? Can there be a pause put in to allow our firefighters to stay on? They want to stay on. They are experienced firefighters who are winning awards and have mortgages and bills to pay. If we do not enact this legislation before 16 May 2024, our firefighters will have to retire at 60.

While we did announce our intention to do it, and legislation is being prepared and has been approved by Government, I cannot give the Deputy a guarantee that this is all going to be through both Houses between now and-----

It is two weeks.

They are due to retire on 16 May.

That is a tall order. Inevitably in situations like this, when we announce new departures and new legislation, there will always be those who will be outside of the enactment of that legislation.

I would say Deputy Murnane O'Connor would accept a dispensation for Carlow.

Absolutely.

It could be called the Carlow caveat or the Carlow clause.