Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 568: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has given due consideration to extending the retirement age for members of An Garda Síochána to 60; if he accepts that such an approach would provide an additional pool of experienced officers at little cost because of deferment of pension costs; and if he now proposes to make this change. [27675/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The current position is that members of ranks in the Garda Síochána up to and including Inspector, who were recruited to the Force prior to 1 April, 2004, must retire at 57 years of age. Members recruited after that date may serve until 60, subject to an annual check after the age of 55 on fitness to serve.

In the context of the establishment of a Garda Reserve, I have said that I see merit in considering an increase in the retirement age of pre-2004 members of Garda, Sergeant and Inspector ranks from 57 to 60 to facilitate the supervision and mentoring of reserve members by members of those ranks. I will be discussing this with the Commissioner in finalising preparations for the establishment of the Reserve.