Vol. 419 No. 1
100 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice if he will outline the way transfers of Garda officers are made and by whom; whether the officer involved is consulted prior to any public announcement; if family circumstances are taken into account when considering any transfer; and if he will outline the consequences of any officer refusing such a transfer.
The allocation and transfer of Garda officers is a matter for the Garda Commissioner. Neither my Department nor I have any function in this respect. Invariably, Garda officers are informed by their authorities of their allocation or transfer prior to any public announcement and all their circumstances, including those of family, are taken into account before the decision to transfer them is taken. In a disciplined organisation with national responsibilities transfers are a necessary element in day to day administration.
Most Garda transfers actually arise as a consequence of retirements and promotions but lateral moves are also made from time to time to meet the objectives of Garda management in ensuring effective law enforcement throughout the jurisdiction.
Where an officer is opposed to being transferred he or she may appeal the transfer order and formal machinery is in place to deal with any such appeal.
