I move the resolution standing in my name on the Order Paper:—
That Dáil Éireann hereby approves of the Garda Síochána Pensions Order, 1955, made on the 7th day of June, 1955, by the Minister for Justice, with the sanction of the Minister for Finance, under Section 13 of the Police Forces Amalgamation Act, 1925, and laid before Dáil Éireann on 18th June, 1955.
The Garda Síochána Pensions Order, 1955, which I am asking the House to approve, contains several amendments to existing Pensions Orders. A memorandum has been circulated to Deputies explaining the effect of the amendments.
As Deputies will observe from the memorandum the Order effects many improvements in the Garda Pensions Code. It increases the annual allowance payable in respect of a child of a deceased member; provides, in certain cases, for the allowance for a child to be payable until it reaches the age of 18½ years instead of the previous age of 16 years and also for the payment of allowances in respect of children adopted under the Adoption Act, 1952.
It removes a provision which pressed very hardly on some pensioners in the past—the provision that pension awards payable, following injury to or death of a member of the force, could be reduced if compensation was received in respect of the injury or death.
It also includes a provision to enable members of the force who were formerly members of the Taca Síochána to reckon in certain circumstances, up to half their service in the latter force for pension purposes. A defect in an earlier Order regarding the calculation of retirement gratuities payable to members retired on special pension in consequence of injuries sustained on duty, has been remedied.
The Order will operate to the advantage of members of the force and I trust that the House will find no difficulty in signifying its approval.
