Mr. Martin Callinan:

As the head of the service, the Garda Commissioner has a unique role. I presume, however, that the reason I was granted an extension was that there was an age profile gap in terms of a successor. I do not know and do not have the franchise over this. It is the case that the current retirement age of 60 years for the various ranks all the way up to deputy commissioner provides for flexibility and movement within these ranks.