asked the Minister for Justice why no appointments have yet been made selecting members of detective sergeant rank to fill vacancies in Donnybrook, Store Street, Pearse Street, Bridewell and Crime Prevention in Dublin Castle, despite the fact that interviews for these posts were held in June, 1977.
Written Answers. - Garda Vacancies.
515.
The promotion of sergeants in the normal course is a matter for the Commissioner of the Garda Síochána and I am not involved. The Garda Síochána (Promotion) Regulations, however, provide that a sergeant in the Detective Branch who, by reason of his not having passed the promotion examinations, is not eligible for promotion in the ordinary way may nevertheless be promoted subject to the approval of the Minister for Justice if the Commissioner is satisfied that he has given consistently meritorious service in the Detective Branch and has shown special zeal and ability in the performance of his duties. This procedure was intended to cater for very exceptional cases. The Commissioner has sought my approval for the promotion of a number of sergeants pursuant to the provision in the regulations I have referred to and I am considering the matter.