asked the Minister for Justice whether he is aware that a number of members of the Garda Síochána who originally opted for a two-thirds pension, and who would now prefer to transfer to a fifty per cent pension with gratuity, are not permitted to make this transfer, and whether he will now take steps to enable these members to transfer to a fifty per cent pension with gratuity.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Garda Pensions.
43.
I am not prepared to amend the Garda Pensions Orders on the lines suggested by the Deputy.
The Garda Síochána Pensions Order of 1951 which, for future entrants to the Force, provided for superannuation payments on the basis of a pension plus a retirement gratuity also provided that existing serving members, who were entitled to a larger pension award but no gratuity, could apply within six months of the making of the Order to become pensionable in accordance with the terms of the Order. A number of these members, the majority of whom have since retired, elected to retain their existing pension rights and not to avail themselves of the new superannuation terms. Each member concerned made his own free choice in the matter and decided for himself which system he wished to adopt.