asked the Minister for Justice why the regulations were changed recently to allow members who have no detective experience to become detective sergeants; the average overtime worked by members engaged on duties other than crime investigations in the detective branch in Union Quay; the average overtime worked by members on crime investigation there and by detectives in other city stations over the past five years; how a member of the Garda comes to be employed on these inquiries; who makes the selection; if he is aware that out of ten members selected for the detective branch only three were appointed at recent interviews and that seven were placed on a list to fill any vacancies that may arise; and, if so, why the names on this list will not be made known.
Written Answers. - Garda Appointments.
The promotion of members of the force up to and including the rank of inspector is, by law, a matter for the Commissioner. I am informed by the Commissioner that, subject to compliance with the provisions of the Garda Síochána promotions regulations in relation to educational and professional qualifications, the administrative requirements governing eligibility for appointment or promotion to detective sergeant have been changed from time to time with a view to the selection for detective duties of the most suitable personnel with crime investigation experience, irrespective of whether their previous service has been in the uniform branch or the detective branch.
The information sought in the question in relation to the average overtime incurred on particular duties by members of the force assigned to stations in Cork city would have to be specially complied. Compilation of the information would involve the diversion of members of the force from more important work and I am not satisfied that this would be justified having regard to the value of the information. The allocation of individual members of the force to particular duties is, of course, a matter for the Garda authorities.
As regards the recent interviews referred to in the question, I am informed by the Commissioner that interviews were held in the Cork city division recently with a view to selecting gardaí from the uniform branch for appointment as detective gardaí. Following these interviews, ten gardaí were placed on a list which was compiled for the purpose of enabling the local Garda officers to make recommendations to the Commissioner for the filling of vacancies in the detective branch. Entry on the list does not give a member any entitlement to appointment to the detective branch and it is not normal practice to disclose to those concerned what names are on the list.