asked the Minister for Justice if he will state (a) whether there is a regulation in force concerning the Garda Síochána requiring 33 per cent. of Garda members sitting for examination for promotion to the rank of sergeant in the Dublin Metropolitan area to be taken from a panel composed of members specially qualified in Irish; (b) whether an examination for promotion to the rank of sergeant was held in January, 1949; (c) whether the regulation with regard to the Irish panel was departed from at this examination; (d) whether undue preference was given to members engaged in clerical work who were deficient in the necessary practical experience in performing ordinary Garda duties; (e) whether certain Gardaí, adversely affected by the departure from the regulation, applied for permission to employ legal aid in order that their position might be investigated, and (f) whether it is a fact that, although the application to employ legal aid was granted, these Gardaí were warned that such a step would militate against their prospects of future advancement; and, if so, whether he will make a statement in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Garda Promotion Examinations.
(a) The regulations in regard to the promotion made by the Minister for Justice, with the approval of the Government, under Section 14 of the Police Forces Amalgamation Act, 1925, do not prescribe what members are to be permitted to sit for promotion examinations, but in 1938 the Commissioner made a rule that at least one-third of the members called from each division to sit for promotion examinations in police duties would be selected from members holding the Irish proficiency certificate.
(b) An examination for promotion to the rank of sergeant in the Dublin metropolitan area was held in January, 1949.
(c) Twelve out of 37 who were called for the examination held the proficiency certificate.
(d) The Commissioner has informed me that the members employed on clerical work who were selected for the examination had considerable outdoor experience prior to their appointment to clerical duties and that he is satisfied that no undue preference was given.
(e) One Guard applied for permission to employ legal aid.
(f) Permission to employ legal aid was granted. The Commissioner states that he did not warn or authorise anyone to warn the Guard that his proposed action would militate against his future prospects and that so far as he is aware no such warning was given.