asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware that there are still approximately 300 members of the Garda Síochána with service medals without bar; and if he will consider extending their service to the age of 65.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Extension of Garda Service.
96.
Mr. Belton
An amendment of the Garda Síochána Retirement Regulations on the lines suggested is not contemplated.
Is the Minister aware that persons with a medal but without a bar gave the same service, the only difference being that the man with the bar was fortunate enough to know his commanding officer and was let in on a job?
The other man gave the same service or he would not have the medal. These men ought to get some consideration seeing that they did not get the gratuity which they should have got for their service. The F.C.A. get a gratuity for whatever service they give but these men got nothing.
Has the Deputy a question?
Is the Minister aware that those men with a medal and no bar did not get a penny for all the service they gave in the movement and the least they ought to get is the extended service?
The matter, of course, is not one for me but I think the essential difference between the two groups of people is that in one case the medal with the bar was given to members of the old I.R.A., who had active service, whereas the medal is given to those who are merely members of the old I.R.A.
That is a serious statement. Both men gave the same service.
The Deputy must put a question.
Is the Minister aware that both men paraded every night there was a parade? They endangered their lives or they could not obtain a medal. The only difference was that one was asked to do certain duty and the other man was not asked. Is the Minister aware that they both gave the same service? Both were active.
I can only repeat that the question is essentially one for the Minister for Defence.
Is the Minister not aware that this extension is granted to Army officers? Why not extend it to the Guards? On the Bill the other day I asked the Minister to consider that. Will he do so?
The matter has been considered on numerous occasions and the question is one on which possibly there has been more representation through Parliamentary Questions and discussion than any other. As I see the situation at the moment, I do not think I would be justified in departing from a decision which has been taken so often by so many of my predecessors.
They were both on active service. They were shot at from behind hedges.