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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 10 Jul 1990

Vol. 401 No. 4

Written Answers. - Garda Legal Department.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

145 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice if there is a legal department within the Garda management structure; and the recognition, if any, which is given to gardaí with legal degrees or qualifications.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

146 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice the number of Garda officers who are studying (a) for legal degrees, (b) to qualify as solicitors, and (c) to be called to the Bar; and whether they are given encouragement to do so by way of payment of fees, study leave or otherwise.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

147 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice the number of serving Garda officers who (a) hold legal degrees, (b) have qualified as solicitors, and (c) have been called to the Bar.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 145, 146 and 147 together.

The Garda Síochána structure includes a legal section which is located at the Garda College in Templemore. I am informed that gardaí and sergeants who hold certain legal qualifications can be exempted from part of the examinations for promotion to sergeant and inspector.

The information available to the Garda authorities is that 26 members of the force are studying for a legal degrees and two further members are studying to become barristers. In accordance with the arrangements that apply in the public service generally, refunds of fees may be paid to members on satisfactory completion of approved courses, having regard to available funds. There are also arrangements whereby members attending approved courses can be granted study leave and time off to sit examinations.

According to available records, 36 serving members of the force hold legal degrees, two have qualified as solicitors and 23 have been called to the Bar.

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