asked the Minister for Justice if he is prepared to reopen the case of Mr. Michael J. Clifford, who was called upon to resign from the Gárda Síochána in 1938; and, if not, if he will indicate his reasons for such refusal, and whether he will consider the granting of a gratuity or pension to Mr. Clifford in respect of his service in the Gárda Síochána, amounting to a total of 13 years.
Ceisteanna.—Questions. Oral Answers. - Resignation from Gárda Síochána.
Mr. Boland
I cannot see my way to reopen this case. I may state that, under the regulations governing appointment to the Gárda Síochána, I am not empowered to take any action towards the reinstatement in the force of a former member, unless I have first received an application in his favour from the Commissioner, Gárda Síochána. I have received no such application in this instance; in fact, I am aware that the Commissioner is not in favour of Mr. Clifford's reinstatement. I may add that I have had occasion to consider this case carefully because of representations made to me from time to time in connection with it and I agree entirely with the Commissioner's attitude.
The circumstances in which this man's service was terminated precluded an award to him of pension or gratuity. On his discharge he was refunded the total amount of deductions made from his pay for superannuation purposes—£61 1s. 10d. Under the Gárda Síochána Pensions Orders it was not possible to do more.