asked the Minister for Justice if he will grant to all members of the Garda Síochána who are holders of Black and Tan Medals without Bar extension of service beyond the normal retiring age.

The question of granting the concession referred to by the Deputy has been considered fully on a number of previous occasions and it was decided not to grant it. I am not prepared, at this stage, to modify the decision taken already.

Is there any specific reason why this branch of the service should be denied this facility as compared with other branches?

It is not quite so simple as that. I do not think it is fair to say this particular branch is denied a facility which is granted to other branches.

Is it not true the Army will have it?

There is this important difference between the Army and the Garda Síochána: the concession in the Army is confined to officers. In the case of the Garda Síochána, the concession is extended to all ranks.