asked the Minister for Justice the percentage of the total Garda force which was made up of those of the rank of sergeant in each of the last five years; whether there are any plans to increase the number of sergeants by allowing some promotions to take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers - Garda Sergeants Statistics.
26.
The percentage of the members of the Garda Síochána who held the rank of sergeant at the end of December in each of the past five years was as follows:
|
1983 |
— |
16.4% |
|
1984 |
— |
16% |
|
1985 |
— |
15% |
|
1986 |
— |
16.7% |
|
1987 |
— |
16.4% |
The corresponding figure at 31 May 1988 was 16.1 per cent.
The promotion of members of the Force to the rank of sergeant cannot be considered in isolation from the overall Government policy in relation to staffing in the public service. As announced in the 1987 budget, the Government decided on measures to secure a reduction in the numbers employed right across the public service. I am informed by the Garda authorities that the number of sergeants is kept under review and the question of promotions to fill vacancies in that rank will be considered in the context of the total number of vacancies that can be filled having regard to overall Government policy.