Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
1047. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if supervisory ranks will be filled at a location (details supplied); the positions vacant at present; when they will be filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34750/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda 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. Garda management keeps this distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the optimum use is made of these resources.
I am informed by the Commissioner that in regard to the deployment of Garda personnel, a distribution model is used which takes into account all relevant factors including population, crime trends and the policing needs of each individual Garda Division. Where a deficiency in resources is identified the matter is considered fully and addressed accordingly.
The Garda Station referred to forms part of the Cavan/Monaghan Division. I am informed by the Commissioner that on the 31 May 2018 the latest date for which figures are readily available the strength of the Cavan/Monaghan Division was 344, including 47 Sergeants and 7 Inspectors. I am further informed that the strength of the Garda Station in question on the 31 may 2018 was 43 including 6 Sergeants and 1 Inspector. There are also 11 Garda Reserves and 39 civilians attached to the Division. When appropriate, the work of local Gardaí is supported by a number of Garda national units such as the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau and the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau.
The filling of vacancies in the supervisory ranks of Sergeant and Inspector is a matter for the Garda Commissioner who has responsibility under the Garda Síochána (Promotion) Regulations 2006 (as amended) for holding competitions for the selection of members for promotion to these ranks.
I am advised by the Commissioner that there is currently competitions in train for promotion to the rank of Sergeant and Inspector with the aim of bringing the strength to 2,000 and 300 respectively, as agreed under the Employment Control Framework. I am assured by the Commissioner that following completion of these competitions the needs of all Garda Divisions including the Cavan/ Monaghan Division will be fully considered when determining the allocation of Sergeants and Inspectors.
