andMr. J.J. Collins asked the Minister for Justice if he has received any requests to grant an extension of service to members of the Garda Síochána who are holders of military service medals or certificates.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Garda Service Extension.
43.
In recognition of the national service given by many of the early members of the Force, the older members of the Garda Síochána have already been granted substantial concessions in the matter of the age of compulsory retirement. All members who joined before 1952 have been given the right to serve up to the age of 63 years, with a further extension to 65 years in the case of those holding either a service certificate, the 1916 Medal or the Service Medal with Bar. The maximum retirement age for members appointed since 1952 is 57 years.
The question of allowing members to serve up to 65 years provided they are the holders of Medals without Bar has been submitted to every Minister for Justice in the past 20 years. It has not been found possible to grant the concession, as this would not be in the interests of the Force itself or of the proper policing of the country.
If members of the rank of Garda who are holders of the Medal without Bar were given a further extension of two years up to 65 years, such a concession would also have to be given to sergeants, inspectors and officers, with the result that the Force generally would have a serious grievance in relation to the blocking of promotion opportunities. Apart from that consideration, police duties require a degree of physical fitness which cannot be expected of gardaí over 63 years of age. This retirement age is the highest in any known police force in the world; as I have mentioned already the normal retirement age for gardaí is now 57 years.