McDowell rejects claim for garda pension increase

MORE than 800 retired gardaí who say they are denied their full pension rights had their claim for an increase in payments rejected yesterday by Justice Minister Michael McDowell.

In a reply to a Dáil question on the issue, the Minister said that, considering the recommendation of the Commission on Public Service Pensions, there would be no legislation to ensure parity of pensions among retired gardaí.

This means the current scheme will continue in operation, despite the fact that it has been described as unconstitutional by Mr McDowell’s own Junior Minister, Willie O’Dea.