asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí who have left the force since 5 July 1977 through (i) retirement, (ii) illness, and (iii) other reasons.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Garda Statistics.
43.
In the period 5 July 1977 to 15 February 1980, a total of 149 members retired from the Force; five of these retired on grounds of ill health, 199 members left the Force for other reasons and 52 died while serving during the same period.
One was sacked.
(Cavan-Monaghan): Does the Minister not consider that the number of retirements is exceptionally high? Would he give an explanation?
The number of retirements in 1979 was about half that in 1977 and slightly above that of 1976, below that of 1973 and half the 1971 figure. On the whole the figure is reasonable.
(Cavan-Monaghan): Apart from comparisons, does the Minister not regard the number of retirements as high? Could he give an explanation?
I understand that 46 of those who resigned went to other jobs and eight decided to pursue further studies. Twenty-five felt unsuited to the job, 30 were given the option to resign and 81 persons left for reasons unknown.
What is meant by "option to resign"?
They were given the option to resign.
What was the other option?