asked the Minister for Justice if, in the light of his announcement of 17 November 1989, he will clarify (1) whether any embargo remains on promotions within the Garda force, (2) whether any embargo on Garda overtime remains in operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Embargo in Garda Force.
55.
The position in relation to the filling of promotional vacancies in the Garda Síochána is that since October 1988 one in every three of the vacancies arising in the promotional ranks of the Force has been fillable, in contrast to the one in ten ratio that applied in the preceding period. The one in three system continues as the normal arrangement — the 200 promotions which I recently announced have been provided for as a special measure to strengthen the management structures of the Force, to enhance their capability of responding to particular present-day demands.
Overtime work in the Garda Síochána has not been subject to an embargo at any time. I am satisfied that the allocation for overtime in 1990, £10.5 million, is sufficient to meet anticipated requirements.