As the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of personnel, among the Garda Regions, Divisions, and Districts. Garda management keep this distribution under continuing review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the best possible use is made of these resources.
I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the allocation of members of An Garda Síochána at the rank of Superintendent is made by the Commissioner in consultation with her senior management team. Currently there are three members of An Garda Síochána at the rank of Inspector awaiting promotion to the rank of Superintendent. The Commissioner will revisit the current vacancies at Superintendent rank when their appointment has been confirmed.
Garda personnel assigned throughout the country, together with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy, are continually monitored and reviewed and is determined by a number of factors including population, crime trends and as the policing needs of each individual division dictates. Such monitoring ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources, and the best possible Garda service is provided to the general public.