Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 October 2012
206. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to fill vacancies at the ranks of Sergeants, Inspectors, Superintendent and Chief Superintendent in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46832/12]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that the Commissioner is responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, throughout the organisation and I have no direct function in the matter. This allocation of resources is constantly monitored in the context of crime trends, policing needs and other operational strategies in place on a District, Divisional and Regional level to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public.
While regulations have previously provided for the numbers permitted in each rank, these have been upper ceilings for those numbers, rather than target strengths, and are set at a national rather than local level. It is therefore not generally practical to indicate precise levels of vacancies at the different ranks in specific locations. Notwithstanding this, a competition for the selection of Sergeants for promotion to the rank of Inspector is complete. A competition for promotion to Sergeant rank is ongoing and competitions for the selections of Superintendents and Chief Superintendents were advertised on 10 September and interviews will commence shortly.
