Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)

I sincerely thank the Ceann Comhairle for the opportunity to raise this issue and I would like to acknowledge the presence of the two Ministers of State.

One of the biggest ever brain drains from Ireland will take place within the next few months when dozens of teachers, gardaí and other public servants are expected to opt for early retirement, as they fear that their pension entitlements will be slashed in the budget. Up to 1,000 gardaí can take early retirement while almost as many teachers are in the same position.

The reason for the rush to the door is that any public service worker who retires before the end of next February will do so on full pension. However, for those retiring after the February cut-off point, recent public sector pay cuts will be reflected in their pensions.

The exodus to which I refer will rob schools and the Garda of their most experienced members of staff. Government Deputies have urged caution and stated that those contemplating early retirement should have their futures well planned before taking drastic action. There are concerns that if there is a mass departure of teachers, this will have a negative impact on our schools both in terms of these individuals' experience and the voluntary work they do, particularly in the context of sport. Many public servants who work for county and city councils are considering bailing out amid fears of their pension entitlements being dramatically reduced. It has been claimed that if a significant number of gardaí retire early, this will leave rural communities vulnerable to attack because there is no recruitment taking place at present and these officers will not, therefore, be replaced.

I am aware of large numbers of gardaí, teachers, nurses and other health workers who have opted to take early retirement. The departure of these vastly experienced and highly-qualified personnel will cause difficulties in the context of the delivery of services. What must be borne in mind in respect of this matter is the amount of money it cost to train each of these individuals. Many thousands of euro were spent on programmes designed to allow the people to whom I refer to operate to very high standards and to ensure that - regardless of whether they are gardaí, nurses, senior or junior civil servants - they are at the top of their game. All of these individuals are all highly experienced. During the past four years, thousands of primary school teachers have retired. Many of those who retired during the past 12 months could have remained in employment for much longer and probably would have done so were it not for the dramatic changes introduced in respect of pension entitlements.

The Garda is facing a brain drain at senior management level. Of the 44 chief superintendents across the force, some 33 are in a position to take early retirement at any stage. If these senior officers were all to leave the force, it would leave an alarming imbalance in the context of experience. The position in this regard could be replicated across all other areas of the public service. It must be remembered that individual officers build up a wealth of experience during their time on the force.

With the embargo in place and with those at the top departing, it does not take a genius to identify the fact that it is front line services which will suffer. The Government and all State agencies must to learn the difference between maintaining budgets and maintaining the basic services that are required. There is nothing more basic than caring for the weakest and most vulnerable citizens. On my first day as a Member of this House, I reminded the Taoiseach of the late Declan Costello's paper, Towards a Just Society. Now, more than any other time in the history of the State, we must develop a just and fair society for all our citizens.

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