Early retirements - Anglo probe must be a priority

With major questions hanging over the ongoing investigation into Anglo Irish Bank — the most serious fraud probe in the history of the State — the decision by the director of corporate enforcement Paul Appleby to reverse his earlier move to retire prematurely and stay on for six months, is to be applauded.

His impending retirement would be the most significant amid an exodus of almost 8,000 civil servants, including nurses, doctors, teachers and gardaí, who are availing of the Government’s gold-bar pension offer aimed at reducing numbers in the public service.

It took the surprise news of Mr Appleby’s departure at the end of this month to bring Government minds to focus on a serious flaw in its strategy. It was clear from the stunned reaction of ministers that the Coalition was completely unprepared for the repercussions of his decision to accept their generous offer which entitled him to a lump sum of €225,000 plus an annual pension of €73,000 following his 39 years in the civil service.