Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 79, 109 and 282 together.

I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the numbers of applications from members of the Garda Síochána to retire, voluntarily or on age grounds, that have been received so far in 2009, along with the numbers of members of the force who retired in each year from 2002 to 2008, are as set out in the table that follows this reply. Practically all Garda retirements, whether they occur early or late in a member's career, are voluntary, in a technical sense, in that they do not occur on the last day of potential service. An exceptionally small number of members of the force choose to serve until the day on which they must retire compulsorily on age grounds. In summary, the figures show that the number of such voluntary retirements was 234 in 2002, 252 in 2003, 323 in 2004, 284 in 2005, 238 in 2006, 177 in 2007, 243 in 2008, with 708 applications so far in 2009.

It is clear that the current rate of retirements represents an appreciable increase on previous years. It must be remembered that the retirement age for the ranks of garda, sergeant and inspector was increased by three years, to 60, in 2006. Three years on, we may be seeing an element of deferred retirements. It is significant that even with this trend of increased retirements, 2009 will see an overall increase, to 14,716, in the number of attested gardaí with full police powers. The number of personnel who will become attested this year - over 900 - significantly exceeds the anticipated rate of retirement.

My top priority is to maintain the crime-fighting capacity of the Garda Síochána. The Garda Commissioner, who is mindful of the general moratorium on public service appointments and the need to make a strong case for any exceptions, has carefully assessed the capacity available to him at a senior level within the force. The Commissioner's approach has been to identify those posts which are especially important for operational policing. As a result of submissions to me from the Garda Commissioner and following agreement with my colleague, the Minister for Finance, the Government has confirmed the appointments of three chief superintendents, ten superintendents and two assistant commissioners since the introduction of the moratorium. The Commissioner is carefully monitoring the situation and will continue to assess the policing capacity available to him in light of ongoing developments. My officials and I will remain in close touch with him to ensure he continues to be in a position to maintain a viable command structure.

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