I propose to take Questions Nos. 11, 35 and 50 together.
While the moratorium on appointments and promotions applies generally to the Garda Síochána, last year I obtained the sanction of the Minister for Finance for a number of senior positions, namely the appointment of 3 Chief Superintendents and 10 Superintendents. In addition, I recently obtained the sanction of the Minister for approximately 170 promotions, covering 9 at the rank of Chief Superintendent, 12 at the rank of Superintendent, 28 at the rank of Inspector and 120 at the rank of Sergeant.
The Commissioner has recently filled a significant number of the posts at the ranks of Sergeant and Inspector and interviews are taking place for filling the vacancies at the higher ranks. As soon as those interviews are complete I will be taking a memorandum to Government to allow appointments to be made.
I will write to the Deputy with details on the latest retirement statistics as soon as they are available.