Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)

The Minister recently increased the age threshold for entry to the Garda Síochána. I understand that the retirement age is 57 and that gardaí with a minimum of 30 years service are eligible for a full pension. Increasing the threshold for entry means that somebody who has entered the Garda Síochána at 30 years of age will have only 27 years service and will not, therefore, be entitled to the maximum pension. Is it the Minister's intention to waive the extra three or four years? Will the members in question get a reduced pension or will they have the right to buy out the years they need to be eligible for the maximum pension? This would be of concern to people entering the force at an advanced stage in their life.