Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

In regard to senior gardaí, I obtained during the past year a number of derogations from the moratorium in respect of public service appointments. For example, on 26 May 2009, the Government approved the appointment of three chief superintendents and ten superintendents. Previous derogations culminated in the sanction of 170 promotions in February 2010. On 2 February, 28 sergeants were promoted to the rank of inspector and 120 gardaí were promoted to the rank of sergeant. On 9 February, the remaining inspector on the promotion list to the post of superintendent was promoted to the rank of superintendent. On 11 February 2010, 34 gardaí were promoted to the rank of sergeant and a further 15 gardaí were on 4 May 2010 promoted to the rank of sergeant. A competition for promotion from the rank of superintendent to chief superintendent has been finalised resulting in nine successful candidates being placed on a list, seven of whom were on 22 April 2010 promoted to the rank of chief superintendent. A competition for the promotion from the rank of inspector to the rank of superintendent has also been finalised, resulting in 27 successful candidates being place on a list, 22 of whom were on 15 June 2010 promoted to the rank of superintendent. The figures speak for themselves. The number of gardaí in this country, almost, 14,600, is at an all time high.

As I have stated time and again, I will do my level best as Minister to ensure the highest number of gardaí are available to the general public. I have also stated that there has been too much criticism from Members of the opposite side of the House who want to have their cake and eat it.

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