Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 6 April 2017
89. Deputy John Curran asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of vacancies in the Garda internal audit unit; the number of vacancies which were there for each of the previous five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17264/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda Commissioner and I will write to the Deputy on receipt of same.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 42A
As the Deputy will appreciate the Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and I as Minister, have no direct role in the matter.
I am informed by the Commissioner that the information requested regarding vacancies in the Garda Internal Audit Section in each of the previous five years is as provided in the table below.
The question of additional resources is a matter in the first instance for the Commissioner and then the Policing Authority which has a role in determining the number of civilian staff in An Garda Síochána and also in appointing senior civilian staff, subject to the consent of the Minister for Justice and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
I understand that the Commissioner is developing proposals for consideration by the Authority to fill existing vacancies and to increase the number of civilians assigned to the Garda Internal Audit Unit to enhance the capacity of the unit to perform its role in providing assurance to the Commissioner, as Accounting Officer. I can assure the Deputy that my Department will be positively disposed towards any such proposals.
Budget 2017 provided funding for the recruitment of up to 500 civilians to An Garda Síochána in line with the Five-year Reform and High Level Work-force Plan agreed by the Government in July 2016 to fill the critical capacity and skills gaps in the organisation and any additional personnel resources for the Garda Internal Audit Unit can be encompassed within this.
21 Staffing of Garda Internal Audit Unit 2012-2017
|
Year End |
Staff in Place |
Vacancies |
|
2017 |
8 |
3 |
|
2016 |
7 |
4 |
|
2015 |
7 |
4 |
|
2014 |
8 |
3 |
|
2013 |
8 |
3 |
|
2012 |
9 |
2 |
*up to 13 April 2017.
