asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware of the difficulty which members of the Garda Síochána have in procuring evidence of their pre-Truce I.R.A. service owing to the deaths of a number of their former officers; and, if so, if he will now extend the age of service of all members of the force to sixty-five years.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Garda Service.
187.
I have been informed by the Minister for Defence that difficulty in procuring evidence of service has not, in any case, been the cause of applications for Service Medals with Bar being refused. The second part of the question does not, therefore, arise.
Is the Minister aware that postponement of decisions as to eligibility or otherwise of certain members of the Gardaí for medals has involved considerable delay. If I might cite the case of one sergeant in Galway district, he is awaiting a decision on his application from the Minister for Defence for the past eight months——
I am not aware of that case.
——and that unless it is given within the next two weeks he will have to retire?
I am not aware that there was any delay but if the Deputy gives me particulars I shall have the matter looked into.
I can give the particulars to the Minister across the House if that is of any assistance to him.