Garda retirement rate surges to 45 every month

ALMOST 45 gardaí have retired early every month so far this year, according to new figures.

This is greater than the combined average monthly rate for the same period over the last three years.

If this year’s rate continues, more than 530 gardaí could be gone by the end of the year.

The news follows reports yesterday that a Government-appointed expert group may recommend reducing garda numbers by 1,000 and closing up to half of rural garda stations.

There is particular concern within the force at the number of experienced gardaí – particularly at higher ranks – deciding to get out.

Sources within the force said the pension levy and a threatened tax on retirement lump sums is pushing eligible gardaí to retire.

“It’s a direct result of the pension levy. It’s costing people who are eligible to retire, if they have the option of retiring,” said one senior garda source.

“There is also the looming threat of a gratuity tax, the end of service payment, which gardaí contribute to. There’s a rumour that tax could be 10%-20%.”

Figures provided by Justice Minister Dermot Ahern show that 251 gardaí have retired in the first five months of this year, including 223 voluntary retirements (44.6 per month)

Gardaí are allowed retire if they have completed 30 years of service.

Mr Ahern had previously said in a parliamentary question that 178 gardaí had left voluntarily in the first four months (44.5 per month).

He said this compared to 74 in the same period in 2008, 33 in 2007 and 62 in 2006.

“Clearly, the rate of early retirements is increasing compared to previous years but, equally, it is not possible to predict with certainty the number of retirements for the full year,” he said.

He said a factor was the impact of the three-year extension of the retirement age which was extended to the Garda Síochána in 2006.

He said that based on a submission from Garda Commissioner Fachtna Murphy, he had secured from Finance Minister Brian Lenihan an exception to the moratorium on public sector appointments with the appointment of 10 superintendents and three chief superintendents.

Last April, the Association of Garda Superintendents said 11 superintendents had taken voluntary retirement.

Association president Martin Shanahan said 101 of the 180 superintendents were eligible to retire immediately.

He warned it would be “extremely difficult” to manage the force if the upsurge in retirements continued.

It emerged yesterday that 42 superintendents and chief superintendents applied to attend a pre-retirement briefing at the Garda College in Templemore last week.

Mr Ahern said the strength of the force should reach 15,000 by the end of the year. With the moratorium kicking in last May, sources predict garda numbers could be cut to 14,000 in a couple of years, in line with reported recommendations from Government expert body, An Bord Snip nua.