There has been a dramatic rise in the number of gardai who have decided to retire from the force. In reply to a Dail question tabled by Deputy Paul Connaughton, the Minister for Justice stated that the retirement numbers were 184 in 2007, 259 in 2008 and a dramatic increase to 351 up to September of this year.
The Minister said that these numbers were made up of compulsory retirements, voluntary retirements, resignations, medical discharges, deaths, dismissals, and resignations in lieu of dismissals.
Deputy Connaughton said: “There is very strong evidence to suggest that many members of An Garda Siochana are deciding to retire because of fear that their retirement entitlements will be taxed in the next Budget.
“One way or the other the premature departure of so many gardai at almost every level is bad news for all citizens, but is particularly bad news for rural Ireland. This is a hugely difficult time for rural communities as many believe any new recruits that will be coming out of Templemore will be assigned to places like Dublin city, and serious crime will be let fester in the rural areas.
“I am calling on the Minister for Justice to ensure for the future that rural areas will get a fair share of Garda protection,” concluded Deputy Connaughton.
