David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)

Is the Minister concerned about the loss of experience and expertise to the Garda Síochána, especially from its senior ranks? Can he guarantee the House that front-line services will not be affected? When gardaí retire from the front line, those positions should be filled rather than left vacant. Can he give any reason, apart from the 2006 change in the retirement age, for the increase in retirements? Does he agree that gardaí may be retiring because they are worried about the possibility of lump sum payments being taxed in the future? Is that a factor?

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