22/09/2009

Gardaí Resignations Rising

Fine Gael have said today that officers are leaving the force by a rate of increase totalling 217%.

The opposition's spokesman on Justice, Charles Flanagan, said the party has linked the figures to the Government’' imposition of the pension levy last year.

Mr Flanagan said he intended to question Justice Minister Dermot Ahern on the matter during Justice Questions in the Dáil.

"Retirement figures show clearly that the loss of experienced Gardaí increased dramatically after the announcement of the pension levy in February," Mr Flanagan said.

The justice spokesman added that the pension levy, which led to pay cuts of 7-9%, and uncertainty about what the next Budget holds have "undoubtedly contributed to the decision" of more than 349 senior and experienced Gardaí to leave the force this year.

"If current trends continue, over 600 senior Gardaí will have retired before the end of the year," he added.

Mr Flanagan went on to say that the force was losing key senior personnel.

The statement comes as Taoiseach Brian Cowen confirmed that public pay and pensions are likely to be targeted for further cuts in December’s budget.

Mr Cowen said the budget would result in cuts "right across the board", including public-sector pay and pensions. He also all but ruled out any major new taxes in December's budget except for a carbon tax.

(DW/GK)

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