Jim O'Callaghan
Ceist:507. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the number of vacancies by rank in the Garda band in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28186/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 25 May 2021
Ceisteanna (507)
Freagraí scríofa
I have requested a report on the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities, however this was not available in time. I will write to the Deputy once the information is to hand.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51
I refer to Parliamentary Question number 507 of 25 May 2021 where you asked for the number of vacancies by rank in the Garda band in tabular form.
You will recall that it was not possible to obtain the information in the time available and I undertook to consult with An Garda Síochána and contact you again when the requested information was available.
As you will appreciate, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 as amended, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. This includes responsibility for decisions in relation to the allocation and control of Garda personnel and resources. As Minister for Justice, I have no role in these matters.
I am advised by the Garda authorities, that the band of An Garda Síochána was established at the same time as the founding of An Garda Síochána in 1922 and remains an integral part of the Garda service. Its membership comprises professionally trained musicians, who are also serving Gardaí, who are assigned to the Garda band.
As well as performing at official Garda and State functions, the band is dedicated to the development of good relations between An Garda Síochána and the community it serves. It achieves this through performance of a varied, entertainment-focussed programme, which evolves to suit every audience, event or setting. Many Garda band concerts serve not only as Garda community relations events but as essential fundraising opportunities for local communities, sports clubs and charities.
The Garda band plays a cultural role on behalf of the State in bringing live musical performance of every musical genre, to communities nationwide.
I am advised that An Garda Síochána are currently engaging with the Public Appointments Service (PAS) to recruit suitable Garda staff candidates to fill the vacancies which were previously undertaken by professionally trained musicians, who were also serving Gardaí.
The appendix to this letter has been provided to me by the Garda authorities and sets out in tabular form the number of members at each rank in the band at full strength, the current number of members at each rank in the band, and the vacancies in the band by rank at 25 May 2021.
I trust this information is of assistance.
Appendix
Vacancies in the Garda Band by rank at 25 May 2021
|
Full Strength |
Current Strength |
Vacancies |
|
|
Superintendent * |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
Inspector (acting superintendent) * |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Sergeant |
4 |
0 |
4 |
|
Garda |
40 |
26 |
14 |
* The Garda Band has typically had either an Inspector or Superintendent