Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am really pleased to hear that because this requirement applies to gardaí who joined post-1995 and next year all these members will have served 30 years. This issue, therefore, must be dealt with. I say this because many gardaí have told me that when they have tried to explain to the Department of Social Protection that they are not jobseekers and are, in fact, retired members of An Garda Síochána, they have been told that unless they make themselves available for training or work, they will have no entitlement. I am pleased to hear, therefore, that the Minister is hoping to have an outcome by the summer because we absolutely need it. As I said, this matter has dragged on for far too long. We simply want a reasonable way to deal with this situation so those who have served their full time can receive their pensions in a fair manner.

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