Vol. 513 No. 6
386 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason a new post of chief medical officer for An Garda Síochána has been established; the salary being paid; and the remit of the new officer. [3119/00]
Garda management had raised concerns about the arrangements for medical matters within the organisation. The existing structure was centred around the post of Garda surgeon and dates back to the establishment of the Garda Síochána. The holder of that post has a rank equivalent to assistant commissioner and has full Garda powers, which may not be appropriate in this day and age.
I am of the view that it is time to modernise the situation and allow for a more flexible approach. As part of this process, the Garda authorities are seeking to have a doctor employed with expertise in occupational medicine to be appointed as a chief medical officer. The salary scale will be £47,795-£57,000.
One of his or her most important roles will be advising Garda management on matters relating to the welfare of the force which has now reached a strength of nearly 11,500 men and women. There will obviously be some overlap with the duties carried out by the former Garda surgeon.
