Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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341. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform whether he will preserve the option for existing Garda members to retire at age 62 without an additional pension penalty arising from a future increase in retirement age, while allowing those who wish to continue beyond 62 to do so voluntarily, subject to appropriate fitness requirements. [68659/26]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy appears to be inquiring as to the retention of members of An Garda Síochána beyond age 62 on a voluntary basis, subject to meeting appropriate fitness requirements, and the continuation of existing pension arrangements in the event of a future increase in the mandatory retirement age for members of An Garda Síochána.

Firstly, retirement and retention policy, together with the corresponding legislation in respect of An Garda Síochána, are matters for the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration.

The legislation governing the pre-2013 pension schemes for members of An Garda Síochána also rests with the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration. The Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation may exercise approval or consent in this regard where provided for in legislation.

The Minister has policy and legislative responsibility for the Single Public Service Pension Scheme, of which Garda members first appointed to the public service on or after 1 January 2013 are members. There are currently no proposals to amend the provisions of the Single Scheme as they apply to members of An Garda Síochána.

For information, Gardaí may accrue pension benefits throughout their careers and may retire from age 55. In the case of Garda members appointed before 1 April 2004, retirement is possible from age 50 where 30 years' service has been completed. Members of An Garda Síochána have the option to continue serving up to age 62, which is the current mandatory retirement age.

Donna McGettigan (Clare, Sinn Fein)
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342. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the up-to-date position regarding the new Garda dog training centre; and the timeline of this project progressing to the next stage. [68646/26]

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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The prioritisation of An Garda Síochána capital projects is a matter for the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration and An Garda Síochána to agree.

Until a Brief of Requirements for the National Centre of Excellence for the Garda Dog Unit is issued to the Office of Public Works by An Garda Síochána it is not possible for the Office of Public Works to provide a timeline for this project.