Eugene Regan (Fine Gael)

A serious issue arises from statements made by the Minister for Finance, Deputy Brian Lenihan, in respect of pensions and possible measures to be introduced in the December budget, namely, the retirement of an extraordinary number of senior members of the Garda Síochána. Seven hundred and eight members of the force have retired so far this year by comparison with 243 last year. This is a really ham-fisted way to go about our business. We have passed all the legislation the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform says is required to tackle gangland crime, yet we are forcing out the most qualified, able and experienced members of the Garda at the highest level. This will inhibit our efforts to control gangland and other serious forms of crime.