Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 April 2013
870. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide an update on the progress being made in the civilianisation of Garda Command and Control in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16081/13]
View answerI am wholly supportive of the release of Gardaí from administrative duties to frontline and operational policing. 32 positions were identified in the Garda Communications Centre in Harcourt Square as suitable to be filled by civilian staff and in March 2011, following an interdepartmental competition, the first 18 Clerical Officers were assigned as Call Takers into the Centre. Following a further interdepartmental competition, the remaining Clerical Officer posts have been offered to the successful candidates and they are due to commence on Monday 29 April 2013. The recruitment competition to civilianise Garda positions in the Garda Communications Centre was in respect of emergency call taker positions. The Garda dispatcher function was not identified for civilianisation and is presently carried out by Gardaí.
