asked the Minister for Justice if he will state the reason why a Garda sergeant was refused an extension of service in the Garda Síochána, the granting of which extension was within his competence; and why some special consideration was not given in this case where the man concerned was not alone regarded as an efficient police officer but one who also took part in the 1916 Rising and whose brother was killed in the Rising; and if, in the circumstances, he will reconsider the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Garda Sergeant's Extension of Service.
The grant of extensions of service is governed by the Garda Síochána (Retirement) Regulations 1951, which provides that the commissioner, with the consent of the Minister, may extend by not more than two years the age of retirement of any member of the Garda Síochána where it appears to be in the interests of the efficiency of the Garda Síochána to do so. As a matter of practice and so as not to block promotion, extensions are not granted to members with rank unless they have some special aptitude or technical skill the loss of which would impair the efficiency of the force. As the sergeant in question had no such special qualifications the commissioner did not see fit to retain him and the Minister for Justice was not asked to consent to his retention.