Bernard Durkan
Ceist:207. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda Síochána promotional positions waiting to be filled; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35727/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraDáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 October 2015
207. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda Síochána promotional positions waiting to be filled; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35727/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for the distribution of personnel among the Garda Regions, Divisions and Districts, the various Garda national units and of course Garda Headquarters. 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. This necessary ongoing flexibility in the distribution of personnel means that it is not feasible to identify specific promotional vacancies within specific areas of the force.
At a national level, sanction has been given by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform for a maximum strength in each rank. The agreed strengths for ranks above Garda rank are given in the table below, together with current actual strength (as of the end of August 2015). Where current actual strength is below the approved maximum strength, the Garda authorities hold promotion competitions for the filling of the posts.
Rank |
Actual strength |
Approved max. strength |
COMMISSIONER |
1 |
1 |
D/COMMISSIONER |
0 |
2 |
A/COMMISSIONER |
7 |
8 |
C/SUPERINTENDENT |
44 |
45 |
SUPERINTENDENT |
162 |
166 |
INSPECTOR |
251 |
300 |
SERGEANT |
1,865 |
2,000 |