Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 24 Nov 1998

Vol. 497 No. 2

Written Answers - Garda Deployment.

David Stanton

Question:

344 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the date of initial appointment and length of time served by each superintendent in Cobh, County Cork, over the past ten years; his views on whether the length of appointment served by each superintendent in Cobh over the past ten years is satisfactory; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24662/98]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

The detailed deployment of Garda personnel to individual areas is a matter for the Garda authorities. They have informed me that nine Garda superintendents have served in the Cobh Garda district during the past ten years. Their respective periods of tenure are listed hereunder:

From:	To:
May 1987	January 1991
February 1991	March 1991
May 1991	May 1993
May 1993	March 1994
March 1994	April 1994
April 1994	August 1996
September 1996	March 1998
March 1998	April 1998
April 1998	October 1998

The Garda authorities have also informed me that of these nine superintendents, one retired and eight were subsequently transferred to other districts.

I am further informed that there are no general rules govenring the length of time that a member of the Garda Síochána serves at any centre. Transfers, for instance, may be temporary or permanent in nature and implemented in the best interests of the service. Movement of members will arise for a variety of reasons, including the exigencies of the service, promotion and special unforeseen circumstances. The Garda authorities have also informed me that, while the length of service of a superintendent in a particular district should be of sufficient duration to permit continuity in dealing with ongoing problems, this can be difficult to achieve.

The Garda authorities have advised that it is hoped to increase the length of service of superintendents in Cobh Garda district and that they are currently addressing this issue with a view to having it finalised in the near future.