I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the information requested is as set out in the tables below.
Retirement of members of An Garda Síochána is governed by statutory provisions which set the mandatory retirement age for all members at 60 years of age.
Members of An Garda Síochána who joined the organisation prior to 1 April 2004 may retire on full pension once they have served for at least 30 years and they have reached 50 years of age. Members of An Garda Síochána who joined the organisation on or after 1 April 2004 may retire on full pension once they have served at least 30 years and have reached 55 years of age. Accordingly a member has the option of continuing to serve until they reach 60 years of age.
It is important to note that the number of Gardaí eligible for retirement is not an indicator of the number of Gardaí who will retire in a particular year. The current estimate for retirements this year, based on past experience, is approximately 300 members. I can assure the Deputy that projected retirements are kept under continuing review.
Table 1
Number of *Departures from Gardaí in 2015
Com
|
D/Com
|
A/Com
|
C/Supt
|
Supt
|
Insp
|
Sgt
|
Garda
|
Total
|
0
|
0
|
1
|
4
|
12
|
13
|
83
|
168
|
281
|
*includes voluntary retirement, compulsory retirement, cost neutral early retirement, medical discharge, resignation and dismissals
Table 2
Number of Gardaí Eligible for Retirement in 2016
Com
|
D/Com
|
A/Com
|
C/Supt
|
Supt
|
Insp
|
Sgt
|
Garda
|
Total
|
1
|
2
|
4
|
39
|
125
|
127
|
470
|
737
|
1505
|