John Perry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)

The Minister cannot compare Ireland to a country like New Zealand. The economies of scale are completely different. Policing here is completely different. I do not know how the Minister can make any comparison with other jurisdictions when it comes to policing. If he expects a member to return to the force as a volunteer, having retired at 50 after 30 years' service, he is not living in the real world. I cannot see that happening. It may be possible to re-employ them under a different contract but they will not return unless the Minister clearly indicates the type of contract they will be offered, such as day shifts or whatever.

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