Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 5 Feb 1991

Vol. 404 No. 6

Written Answers. - Garda Promotions.

Patrick McCartan

Question:

143 Mr. McCartan asked the Minister for Justice if his attention has been drawn to the poor promotional achievements of members of the Garda Síochána who have completed legal studies, especially to the higher ranks; if he agrees that this is a cause of concern; and if he will outline his policy in encouraging members to pursue third level and other specialist studies.

Minister for Justice (Mr. Burke)

The Garda authorities do not accept that there is a basis for what is stated in the question and accordingly the question of concern does not arise. When candidates, at all levels of the Force, are being considered for promotion, all their qualifications, including of course their legal or other educational or academic achievements, are fully taken into account.

I outlined the policy in relation to encouraging members of the Force to pursue legal and other third level courses in my reply to Questions Nos. 145, 146 and 147 on 10 July 1990.