asked the Minister for Justice if, as reported, 21 senior Garda officers who were due to retire between now and next January have been given a three months' extension; if so, the basis for this action; and if it is the intention of his Department to grant similar extensions to other gardaí due for retirement before next January thus affecting in considerable measure the pay rates and pension provisions of public servants directly concerned.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Garda Retirements.
61.
All members of the force who were due to retire on age grounds between 1st October and 31st December, 1970, were given the option of continuing to serve up to and including 1st January, 1971. This arrangement brought the Garda into line with civil servants due to retire between these dates. Sixteen members of the force were affected — one deputy commissioner, two chief superintendents, five sergeants and eight gardaí. Fifteen exercised the option.
Has that option been communicated to all members of the Garda Síochána who are likely to come up for retirement — I am not asking the question in any offensive sense but as a matter of principle — and has the matter been sanctioned by the Minister for Finance?
"Yes" is the answer to both questions.