(Cavan) asked the Minister for Justice if a written examination was held for the promotion of detective gardaí to detective sergeants within the last six months; if so, (a) how many sat for this examination and (b) how many were promoted as the result of the examination; and how many, if any, were promoted without having passed this examination but following interview.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Garda Promotions.
62.
The commissioner of the Garda Síochána who is the statutory authority subject to the Garda Síochána (Promotion) Regulations, 1960 and 1962, for promotion to the rank of sergeant including detective sergeant has informed me that no written examination was held within the past six months for the promotion of detective garda to detective sergeant.
Written examinations merely qualify a garda to be considered for promotion and in fact there are about 700 so qualified. It is the interview board that determines the order of merit.
As indicated in my reply to the Deputy's question on 28th April, interviews for promotion to detective sergeant were held in January last and four detective gardaí have now been promoted as a result of these interviews.
(Cavan): Could the Minister tell me whether the four who have been promoted actually sat for a written examination at any time?
I think some of them did not.
(Cavan): Could the Minister say how many?
Following the interviews held in January last two were appointed without having passed the examination.
(Cavan): Out of a total of four?
No. Since 1967, 18 detective gardaí have been promoted to detective sergeant and three of them were promoted without having passed the examination. Of those three, two were appointed arising out of the interview in January last.
(Cavan): Is it a fact then that no written examination was held since 1967? Is that the position?
I think that is correct.
(Cavan): And of the four who were appointed in January of this year two passed a written examination and two did not?
Yes.
(Cavan): Am I not right then in thinking that that is not in accordance with the regulations because is it not a fact that not more than 25 per cent——
The Deputy will appreciate we seem to be getting into an argument now.
(Cavan): I do not think so. Is it not a fact that only 25 per cent of those promoted may be promoted by interview without written examination?
That is correct and that limit has not been exceeded. As I have indicated to the Deputy, three out of 18 appointments in the last three years have been on the basis of non-examination.
(Cavan): The position would be clear if, as I understand the Minister to say, a couple of years ago a written examination was held and since that written examination 18 promotions have taken place and, of those 18 promotions, only three have been promoted without a written examination?
I think that is correct, but the essential part of it is that there have been 18 promotions in the last three years of which only three have been non-examination. That is well within the limit of 25 per cent laid down in the regulations.
Would the Minister be prepared to give an assurance to the House that future promotions to detective sergeant will be made following written examinations?
Certainly not. The regulations provide for 25 per cent and for very good reasons.
And why 25 per cent? Is that to cater for an élite among detective sergeants? I think this is a matter of public interest.
I think it is very important that the House should realise that in the matter of promoting gardaí to sergeants you can have two types of garda, each of whom is very valuable. One is the man who, you might say, is excellent at his books and the other is the man who may not be excellent at his books but is a very good policeman. We need both kinds and the regulations provide for both and provide a limit of 25 per cent for those who have not passed examinations. The principle involved in that is very important.
I must confess that the principle escapes me. Could the Minister please elucidate?
I think it is self-evident.
(Cavan): Is the Minister satisfied that the four appointments of detective sergeants made last January were made strictly in accordance with Garda regulations governing the promotion of detective to the rank of sergeant?
Yes, I am so satisfied.
Were such men capable of doing a written examination?