Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 February 2013
171. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the total number of vacancies at all ranks awaiting to be filled at present; the extent to which such posts are to be filled in the current year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6234/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that the Commissioner is responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, throughout the organisation and I have no direct function in the matter. This allocation of resources is constantly monitored in the context of crime trends, policing needs and other operational strategies in place on a District, Divisional and Regional level to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public.
While regulations have previously provided for the numbers permitted in each rank, these have been upper ceilings for those numbers, rather than target strengths, and are set at a national rather than local level. It is therefore not generally practical to indicate precise levels of vacancies at the different ranks in specific locations.
With the exception of recruitment to the Garda reserve, the moratorium on recruitment and appointments continues to apply in the Garda Síochána and I remain in dialogue with my colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform in relation to the filling of positions at supervisory and management levels in the organisation. In this regard, competitions are currently underway to establish panels for promotion from Garda to Sergeant, from Inspector to Superintendent and from Superintendent to Chief Superintendent. A panel is already in place for the promotion of members from Sergeant to Inspector.
