Vol. 66 No. 17
I move:
That Seanad Éireann approves of the Garda Síochána Pensions Order, 1969 made on the 15th day of July, 1969, by the Minister for Justice with the sanction of the Minister for Finance under Section 13 of the Police Forces Amalgamation Act, 1925.
I ask the House to approve of the Garda Síochána Pensions Order, 1969. This order provides for two minor additions to the Garda pensions code, which are explained in the memorandum which has been circulated to Senators.
In the first place, it provides that gardaí who had previous service in the Taca Síochána are now enabled to reckon such service in full for Garda pension purposes. Members of the Taca Síochána were recruited in a temporary capacity in 1939, by Emergency Powers Order when the emergency came into being on the outbreak of war, and they eventually were absorbed into the Garda Síochána proper in 1942.
Until 1965, previous service in the Taca Síochána was not reckonable for ordinary Garda pension purposes. By a Garda Síochána pensions order made in that year, it was allowed recognition as to one-half for Garda pension purposes, following on the making of a similar arrangement in the public service. The present provision, which will enable Taca Síochána service to be reckoned in full for pension purposes, brings the force into line with a new arrangement made some time ago in the case of the public service.
In the second place, the order provides for the reduction from six to five years of the qualifying period of service for the payment of marriage gratuities. This brings the ban-ghardaí into line with the Civil Service.
I commend the Order for the approval of the House.
