Seanad debates
Tuesday, 8 April 2003
Garda Síochána (Police Co-Operation) Bill 2003: Second Stage.
I am struck by the opening up of senior ranks. I presume this is mutual, that a member of the Garda may apply for a senior position in the Police Service of Northern Ireland. I hope the corresponding UK legislation will allow this to happen. There are requirements in Northern Ireland, that applicants for a senior post should have served in another force and should have undertaken the senior command course at Bramshill. It is important that other courses such as American ones and so on are recognised as being equivalent in order that there will be free movement. There is a very strong argument for opening up senior positions in the Garda to wider competition when possible.
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