Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

I have given the figures for retirements. There have been 80 retirements so far this year. If that rate continues, the annual rate for this year will be below the normal rate. We have prepared for approximately 400 retirements over the course of this year. That would be the normal level. There were approximately 700 retirements last year, when particular circumstances prevailed. The successful conclusion of the Croke Park deal is one of the issues that will be on the minds of gardaí when they think about whether to retire. It behoves political parties in this House to indicate where they stand in relation to the deal. We know where Deputy Rabbitte stands on the deal - I understand he supports it - but funnily enough, we do not know where his party leader stands. It is clear that the issue of pensions and gratuities was the main driving force behind the inordinate level of retirements last year. It is obvious that the gardaí are not that exercised by it at present. If Deputy Rabbitte supports the deal, I suggest he should tell his party leader to get off the fence, for all our sakes. It is an important matter. I do not accept the suggestion that politicians should not involve themselves in this issue. That is a cop-out.

Templemore will continue to be used to bring students through. A number of students are still going through Templemore. It is used not only to train student gardaí, but to facilitate the lifelong learning and constant retraining of gardaí. It was redeveloped at a cost of millions of euro over recent years to ensure that gardaí continue to receive retraining, as required, throughout their careers.

I accept that disquiet is expressed at all conferences of parties, representative associations and trade unions. I have my views on such conferences. I do not accept the words that were expressed. In fairness to the vast majority of Members of the Oireachtas, including Deputy Rabbitte, they do not think it is right for members of our police force, which has a special position under our Constitution, to utter the type of phrases that were used. On a personal basis, I would not countenance anyone accusing me of corruption, nor should I expect-----

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