An Assistant Garda Commissioner has begun a High Court challenge to a law requiring people who hold that role to retire at the age of 60.
Martin Donnellan, a Scot Medal winner who will be 60 on the 7 June, was given leave from the court to notify the Minister for Justice, Garda Commissioner and the State of the proceedings.
The case will be back before the court on Wednesday.
The court was told the challenge is based on the grounds that the legislation is irrational and is in breach of the equality directive because it constitutes age discrimination.
The court also heard that Mr Donnellan had made a complaint to the Equality Authority, but the Authority would not be able to process it before his birthday next month.
