Denis Naughten
Ceist:1358 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will consider extending the retirement age for members of the Garda Síochána to 60; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15899/02]
Written Answers. - Garda Retirement Age.
Richard Bruton
Ceist:1380 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason a Superintendent can stay on in the Garda Síochána until 60 years of age while an ordinary member of the force must retire at 57 years of age; if he will consider allowing members the option to remain in the force until 60 years of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16344/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1358 and 1380 together.
The Garda Síochána (Retirement) (No. 2) Regulations, 1951, provide that a member of the Garda Síochána who holds the rank of superintendent shall retire on attaining the age of 60 years and that a member of the force below the rank of superintendent shall retire on attaining the age of 57 years.
The Deputy will be aware that the majority of the force are involved in front-line operational policing, particularly at the ranks of inspector and below. The age profile of these ranks is regarded as an important element in their capacity to meet the demands of modern policing, and this is reflected in the earlier retirement age for the ranks of inspector and below. Having said that, however, the retirement age for members of the Garda Síochána is a matter which I propose to review.