asked the Minister for Justice whether Garda promotions and/or filling of vacancies in the Garda force are being held up; and, if so, the reason.
Written Answers. - Garda Vacancies and Promotions.
130.
Notwithstanding the general restriction which has had to be imposed on the growth of numbers in the public sector, as announced by the Minister for Finance in his budget speech on 21 July, the Government have authorised the recruitment of additional members to the Garda Síochána and appointments will be made as soon as the necessary recruitment procedures, which are still in progress, have been completed.
As regards promotions within the force, the position is that certain procedural and other issues have yet to be resolved, some of which had arisen while the Deputy was still Minister.