Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to make two points clear. The first is that all vacancies under the employment control framework, which operates across all Departments and bodies, are filled at present. Of course, as the economy improves and the ECF is examined, clearly the question of what is the appropriate ongoing ECF will be raised, be it in the Department of Health, the Garda Síochána or in other bodies. That will be discussed with the Garda Commissioner. She recently wrote to me about a number of issues regarding appointments in a number of areas, and they can be considered within the context of the ECF and in association with the Policing Authority. That will be done early in the new year.

With regard to the applicants, they were placed on a panel. They were not told they were promoted. They all signed a declaration which states that applicants in the competition should clearly understand that it is intended that successful candidates will be placed on a panel to fill vacancies until such time as the new section relating to the Policing Authority is commenced as it relates to the appointment of persons to the rank of chief superintendent or 31 December 2016, whichever is the earlier, and that any panel established on foot of the competition will cease with immediate effect on the commencement of section 12.

They are the two relevant points. I can understand the disappointment that people may feel but they are open to apply for the posts that will be advertised as they arise and the Policing Authority no doubt will move to fill any vacancies that arise from January as soon as possible.

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