Assistant Garda Commissioner appeals to court to change retirement age

An assistant Garda Commissioner has told the High Court he sees no logic in setting the retirement age for him at 60 when it was 65 between 1951 and 1996.

Martin Donnellan - one of 11 assistant commissioners - is challenging the legislation which would force him to stand down from the June 7, which is his 60th birthday.

He argues that the relevant 1996 statutory instrument is irrational, unreasonable and discriminatory.

Assistant Commissioner Donnellan took the stand this afternoon and told Mr Justice Liam McKechnie he was not motivated by money but by the interest he has in the organisation of An Garda Síochána

He feels he has more to do and a lot to offer the organisation and is not looking for an extension for financial reasons.

He said could retire next week and receive €200,000 and half his salary as a pension if he wished.

His lawyers argue that he's in good health and in carrying out his duties fully and efficiently.

He said he couldn’t see anything wrong with allowing assistant commissioners to work until they're 65, he said that was the case between 1951 and 1996 and with increasing life expectancy he added that there was no logic to forcing them to stand down at 60

The case continues on Tuesday.