asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware that a Guard, with a wife and family of ten children totally dependent on him, was removed from the Gárda Síochána under the terms of the Gárda Síochána Retirement Regulations, 1941, merely because he was in debt, and, in addition, was not allowed the added service for the purpose of pension provided for in the Gárda Síochána Pensions (No. 2) Order, 1941; and if the Minister will reconsider the case with a view to the granting of added years of service for pension purposes.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Gárda Síochána Retirement Regulations.
Mr. Boland
I am aware of the case of the Gárda in question and of all its circumstances. He was one of a number whom it was found necessary to retire in the interests of the efficiency of the Gárda Síochána. The decision not to recommend the grant of added years of service was taken after full consideration of all the facts of the case and I cannot undertake to reconsider it.
Is the Minister aware that this Guard was making an effort to pay back that debt and that he had collected as much as he was able out of his pay for the purpose of cancelling the debt? The position now is that the debt will not be paid and the man will find difficulty in maintaining himself and his family. Will the Minister reconsider the case on those grounds?
Mr. Boland
I may assure the Deputy that I did not act in this matter without carefully considering all the circumstances and I am afraid I cannot reopen the case.
Is the Minister aware that a very large number of Gárda, on account of the inadequate wages they receive, find it difficult to manage? It is really hard for them to live on their present remuneration.
That is a separate question.
asked the Minister for Justice if he will state (1) how many Gárda officers were removed from the force under the terms of the Gárda Retirement Regulations, 1941; (2) how many members in other ranks were removed from the force under the same regulations; (3) how many of the removed officers were given added years of service for the purpose of pension under the terms of the Gárda Síochána Pensions (No. 2) Order, 1941; (4) how many of the members in other ranks who were removed were given added service for the purpose of pension under the terms of the same Order.
Mr. Boland
The figures asked for are:—(1) Eleven officers; (2) twentythree other ranks; (3) four; (4) none.
Will the Minister explain the reason for the differentiation between the officers and the ordinary Gárda? There were four officers who were given added years of service and none of the members in other ranks were allowed added years of service.
Mr. Boland
All the circumstances were carefully considered in each case and decisions were arrived at. I cannot go any further into the matter.