diff --git a/eo/src/eoOpSelector.h b/eo/src/eoOpSelector.h
index d4c9940b9..8d6286259 100644
--- a/eo/src/eoOpSelector.h
+++ b/eo/src/eoOpSelector.h
@@ -55,7 +55,7 @@ public:
       modified or whatever 
       @param _id  a previously assigned ID
       @throw runtime_exception if the ID does not exist*/
-  virtual const eoOp<EOT>& getOp( ID _id ) = 0;
+  virtual eoOp<EOT>& getOp( ID _id ) = 0;
   
   /** Remove an operator from the operator set
       @param _id a previously assigned ID