asked the Minister for Justice if he will state on what conditions the present Commissioner of the Garda Síochána accepted the appointment from the Government, and if he will also state his age on appointment, and his present age.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Commissioner of Garda Síochána.
The appointment of the present Commissioner of the Garda Síochána was not subject to any conditions. I do not consider that any good purpose would be served by my answering the remainder of the question.
Is it not a fact that on the date of his appointment with the powers-that-be at the time, the Commissioner of the Garda Síochána dictated his own pension terms; and is it not also a fact that within those conditions he cannot be asked to retire until he likes to do so himself? Even if he retired on the day following his appointment, he would get the same pension and allowances as if he carried on for years. Is that true?
I am not aware of any such arrangement. The Commissioner was appointed to carry out the duties of Commissioner as laid down by the law and regulations under statute, and I have no information of any such thing as the Deputy suggests, nor do I think there were any such conditions.
Is it not a fact that he cannot be asked to resign?
He can be asked to retire, the same as anybody else.
I do not want that question to be left there. By the time I am finished with it, there will be more about this Commissioner's appointment.