asked the Minister for Justice whether he is aware of the serious discontent which exists in the Garda Síochána because of the number of recent promotions in the force which appear to have been made regardless of seniority; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Garda Síochána Promotions.
8.
Promotion in the Garda Síochána is based on the selection by a Selection Board of the most suitable members of those who, having become eligible for promotion by passing qualifying examinations, are sent forward to the Selection Board by their Divisional Officers. Other things being equal, preference is given to senior men, but suitability for higher duties, and not seniority is the determining factor.
I am informed by the Commissioner that the fact that greater numbers of senior men have not been promoted in recent years is due to the fact that only a small number of them have passed the qualifying examinations which would make them eligible for consideration for promotion.
Is the Minister aware that one superintendent was recently promoted to chief superintendent over the heads of 40 superintendents ahead of him in the seniority list?
No, I am not so aware. Any promotions of the kind that the Deputy has in mind were recommended by a commission that went into the question of the suitability or otherwise of the persons concerned.
I can assure the Minister that what I say is correct. Is the Minister also aware that in the Dublin Metropolitan District one superintendent was promoted recently to chief superintendent over the heads of others senior to him?
I do not agree.
The seniority list is there for the Minister to see. It was shown to me.