Vol. 465 No. 4
140 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Justice her views on whether it would be beneficial to extend the Garda retirement age from 57 to 60 years; if so, the matters, if any, preventing her from approving such an extension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9850/96]
141 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Justice the consideration, if any, she has given to extending the Garda retirement age; her views on the benefits arising from such a retirement age extension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9851/96]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 140 and 141 together.
I understand that the representative associations for each of the ranks of the Garda Síochána up to chief superintendent at present have claims before the Garda Conciliation Council to have the retirement age extended for their respective ranks.
As the Deputy is aware, the scheme of conciliation and arbitration for the Garda Síochána provides the relevant machinery for the processing of such claims. Under the terms of the scheme the proceedings of the council are confidential and it would not be appropriate for me to comment further.
