Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I want to raise the issue about the retirement of senior members of the Garda Síochána. It is an issue that has been in the media for the past few weeks. The issue of senior members of the Garda Síochána having to retire at 60 is an issue that we have to look at. We have civilians working in the Garda Síochána who have the option to stay in the service up until 70 years of age but a member of the Garda Síochána's retirement age is 60 years of age. Sixty is an exceptionally young age. Sixty years of age now compared with 20 years ago is a completely different game. These are young, capable, active individuals who have so much knowledge. To have them leave the force at this stage is something that we need to look at.

We should have a genuine debate in the autumn with the Minister for Justice about the future of the Garda Síochána retirement age. I personally believe we should extend it because there is a brain drain. We are losing real knowledge from the Garda Síochána. I note that there are three members of the Garda Síochána to retire from senior posts in the next few months and it will be a significant drain on the Garda Síochána's resources to have them replaced. We need to have a real decent look at this issue. I suggest we should have a debate in the autumn with the Minister. We need radical change to ensure we keep these valuable personnel serving, if possible.