asked the Minister for Justice if it is the policy of the Garda Síochána authorities to transfer a Garda officer when promoted from his existing division to a station outside that division; if so, the reasons for such policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Garda Officer Transfer.
11.
I understand that, in general, the practice of the Garda authorities has been to transfer members of the force on promotion from the division in which they were serving to another division. The Garda authorities have taken the view that the policy of transferring members on promotion is desirable in the interests of the efficiency of the force.
There has been a particular development in the policy recently whereby, save in very exceptional circumstances, members on promotion to the rank of sergeant are transferred to Border stations for a period of about 18 months. This development has enabled the practice of sending sergeants for short periods to those stations to be discontinued and has, I understand, been widely accepted as satisfactory.
I might mention that the Garda Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme has been amended to enable "principles governing transfers" and some other matters to be discussed at the Garda Conciliation Council.
Does the Minister accept that there is some dissatisfaction in the courts at the rule which transfers gardaí on promotion out of their own division, and in the circumstances can the Minister enlighten us as to the reasons for this rule? I am not talking about temporary promotions in Border areas.
I am satisfied that the system in operation with regard to transferring across the board those promoted to the rank of sergeant is a very fair system. I do not agree that the system is causing disunity or disharmony in the courts. It is accepted as being possibly the fairest way in which it could be worked.
I do not see the reason for the rule. I know there is some dissatisfaction because it has been mentioned to me by members of the force. The dissatisfaction appears to stem from the lack of rationale. Apart from temporary situations in Border posts, what is the reason for this rule?
The Garda Commissioner has reported that it is the present policy, and has been for a number of years, to transfer members of the force on promotion from divisions in which they had been serving. The policy is designed to promote the efficiency of the force, first because it would be undesirable from the disciplinary point of view to have members serving in their former stations, and secondly because members when promoted can operate more effectively in new areas. There is also the practical aspect that rarely do vacancies occur in the divisions in which newly promoted men are serving. I accept the Commissioner's view on this.