Vol. 577 No. 3
501 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in view of the recent proposed changes to retirement age in the Civil Service, current serving gardaí can avail of the option up to 60 years of age, subject to being willing, able and certified medically fit to do so, rather than the current age limit of 57 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31395/03]
The Deputy might recall that earlier this year I was considering the possibility of increasing the retirement age for members of the Garda Síochána from 57 to 60 in consultation with Garda management and Garda associations. This was in the context of achieving the maximum authorised strength of the Garda force at the earliest possible date. Based on the anticipated rate of retirement, the Garda Commissioner has now projected however, that the maximum authorised force strength of 12,200 will be achieved during 2004.
Having considered the matter, I have decided not to alter the retirement age for the moment.
