Bernard Durkan
Ceist:358. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the number of promotional places to be filled in An Garda Síochána; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42811/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 10 December 2020
Ceisteanna (358)
Freagraí scríofa
As the Deputy is aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. This includes responsibility for personnel and human resources matters.
I have sought the information requested from An Garda Síochána and will write to the Deputy when I have received it.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51.
SUBSTANTIVE ANSWER:
I refer to your Parliamentary Question (No. 358 of 10 December 2020) where you sought:
“….the number of promotional places to be filled in An Garda Síochána…”.
As you will recall, I sought the information you requested from the Garda authorities and undertook to contact you again once the report was to hand.
The report is now to hand and I am now advised by the Garda authorities that the table attached outlines the number of promotional vacancies to be filled in An Garda Síochána.
I am informed that a competition is ongoing by the Policing Authority to compile a list of suitable candidates for promotion to the rank of Chief Superintendent. The expected vacancies above are based on projected retirements. Earlier this year, the Policing Authority completed a competition for promotion to the rank of Superintendent. As of the 9th December 23 Inspectors have been promoted to the rank of Superintendent from that competition. The 11 vacancies/expected vacancies above are based on projected retirements but do not include potential consequential vacancies from the Chief Superintendent competition, as it is also open to members of the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
I am further informed that there will be a competition, to be facilitated on behalf of An Garda Síochána by the Public Appointments Service, during 2021 for promotion to the rank of Inspector to meet the ECF including consequential promotions at the higher ranks and retirements (age-related and other). The 60 vacancies/expected vacancies above are based on the current vacancies and projected retirements. They do not include consequential vacancies from promotion at higher ranks.
I understand that there will be a competition, to be facilitated on behalf of An Garda Síochána by the Public Appointments Service, during 2021 for promotion to the rank of Sergeant to meet the ECF including consequential promotions at the higher ranks and retirements (age-related and other). The 323 vacancies/expected vacancies above are based on the current vacancies and projected retirements. They do not include consequential vacancies from promotion at higher ranks.
In relation to Garda Staff, An Garda Síochána are continuing to recruit and promote based on sanctioned posts and vacancies created through departures and reassignment of Garda Members to operational frontline policing. These posts are being filled in accordance with Department of Public Expenditure and Reform sequencing requirements. In relation to internal Garda Staff promotion competitions there is a Higher Executive Officer competition ongoing at present.
I hope this information is of assistance.
Appendix:
|
Rank |
Current Strengths |
Vacancies/Expected Vacancies to end 2021 |
|
Commissioner |
1 |
|
|
Deputy Commissioner* |
2 |
2 |
|
Assistant Commissioner** |
8 |
|
|
Chief Superintendent |
46 |
4 |
|
Superintendent |
167 |
11 |
|
Inspector |
439 |
60 |
|
Sergeant |
1982 |
323 |
*1 Acting – recruitment by the Public Appointments Service for 2 posts ongoing
** Vacancies may arise on foot on Deputy Commissioner Recruitment