Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 April 2014
425. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the exact date upon which the head of the Garda Special Branch recently retired; when he expects that this vacancy will be filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16166/14]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of all personnel among the Garda Regions, Divisions, and Districts. Garda management keep this distribution under continuing review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the best possible use is made of these resources. The objective at all times is to ensure that optimum use is made of Garda resources and that the best possible Garda service is provided to the public.
While there is no unit in An Garda Síochána called the Special Branch, I am presuming the Deputy is referring to the recent retirement of a Chief Superintendent from the Special Detective Unit. I have asked the Garda Commissioner to advise me as to when this particular vacancy will be filled on a permanent basis.
