This week was a tough week for the Department of Justice and An Garda Siochana as it was announced on Sunday that current Garda Commissioner Noirin O’Sullivan will retire from the force with an immediate affect.
However in the fallout of Ms Sullivan’s much expected retirement many eyebrows both within the Dail and the public domain have been raised as to what retirement package Ms Sullivan will be entitled to after her two and a half year stint as leader of the countries police authority.
Although no official announcement has been made regarding Ms Sullivan’s pension fund, a number of reports have suggested the former Garda Commissioner could be in line to receive the sum of €400,000 or more if the terms of her contract are fulfilled to its fullest.
The quite large figure which will surely have many people voicing their opinions has led to a number of opposition TD’s in the Dail to call on the Department of Justice and the Government to publish the full details of Ms Sullivan’s retirement package as many feel it falls well within the realm of a matter of public interest.
If reported figures are to be believed the former Garda Commissioner who has had many question marks during and after her tenure could be inline for a hefty pay-off despite being in the position for less than three years.
According to various reports it is widely expected that Ms Sullivan will be almost certainly guaranteed a golden handshake payment of around €300,000 for stepping down.
The former commissioner will also be given an annual pension of almost €100,000 for her service in the force which lasted more than 36 years.
To top things off Ms Sullivan will also be entitled to a lump sum payment of one and half times her final salary (€180,000), although this payment could be reduced or voided completely as she failed to remain in her position for the required three years.