Vol. 354 No. 12
asked the Minister for Justice the number of civilians working in the Garda Síochána in the most recent month for which figures are available; the number of civilian posts which were not filled because of the embargo within the public service; and if he will outline his policy for the next 12 months in relation to the use of civilians within the Garda Síochána.
413.
asked the Minister for Justice the effect the present embargo on recruitment of staff in the Civil Service is having on the Garda Síochána, particularly in relation to the number of gardaí who are at present doing desk jobs in the various depots; and if they could be released from this work if the embargo is lifted.
Limerick East): I propose to take Questions Nos. 412 and 413 together.
As at 1 December 1984 there were 597 civilians attached to the Garda Síochána of which 440 were employed on clerical duties and 157 in industrial-related and other similar type posts. Thirty six clerical posts cannot be filled by civilians due to the embargoes on the filling of Civil Service vacancies and the duties involved are being carried out by members of the force.
It is my intention to continue the present policy of appointing civilians to clerical posts in Garda offices to the maximum extent practicable thereby releasing as many gardaí as possible for operational police duties. However, as the Deputies will no doubt appreciate, this policy cannot be considered in isolation from overall Government policy in relation to staffing in the public service and must take account of the general restrictions on public service recruitment.
