Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

On the question of when the other appointments will be made, I have had discussions with the Garda Commissioner - I talked to him today after these appointments were announced - and I understand he will put in place the appropriate procedures for the making of the appointments. I do not want to give an exact date because it is a matter for him in the context of his managerial function of the force, but I understand he will proceed with all appropriate speed in that regard.

I answered the question the Deputy has again raised regarding transitional arrangements in my Department. We took a very comprehensive overview, at a very early stage after my appointment, of the different steps to be taken in dealing with the different issues that would come up, including the position with regard to Garda retirements and where we would be at 29 February. It was deemed appropriate that these promotions would be announced today. Other senior members of the force will retire on 29 February and those positions are the subject of conversations between myself and the Minister, Deputy Howlin, and I expect that appropriate decisions will be made in that regard.

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