Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

I could not agree with the Deputy more. I have been with her in Balbriggan. It is a great town but I know how fast growing it is and how important this appointment is. Indeed, she has chatted to me about it in recent days as well. I have made inquiries. I am informed that, as we will recall, the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024 changed how the Garda fills its vacancies at senior ranks. It now runs the competitions for the vacancies. This was a major legislative reform and necessitated a temporary pause in promotion competitions for certain ranks, namely superintendent and above, until the Act was commenced and regulations signed. That happened on 2 April. As a result of that, a promotion competition was run for the rank of superintendent. I am assured that that competition has been undertaken and will enable the filling of outstanding vacancies. I expect the vacancy to which the Deputy has referred, a new superintendent for Balbriggan, to be filled imminently or very shortly.

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