(Cavan) asked the Minister for Justice if he will amend the Garda Pensions Order, 1951 to enable the small number of Gardaí of all ranks, who failed to opt for the lower rate of pension and lump sum payment on retirement or death, to do so now.
Ceisteanna—Questions (Resumed). - Garda Pensions.
93.
I am not prepared to amend the Garda Síochána Orders in this respect.
This matter has been considered on innumerable occasions over the years, and has been dealt with in debates on the Estimates and in replies to Parliamentary Questions.
The conditions applicable to the exercise of this option by members of the Garda are the same as those applicable to other sectors of the public service and there has been no change in the general position.
(Cavan): Would the Minister agree that the conditions of employment of the Garda have changed very much since 1951, that their salaries have been increased considerably, and that that would be a matter that would influence these officers in coming to a decision? Would he further agree that there is only a comparatively small number of comparatively elderly gardaí involved and would it not be reasonable that he should let them have second thoughts?
It is a matter which I have considered very fully and the people concerned in 1957 had the right to opt in a particular way. It is in no way different from the procedure involved for other sectors of the public service.