Breeda Moynihan-Cronin (Kerry South, Labour)
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Question 54: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has received a submission from the Garda Commissioner seeking approval for the creation of 443 new sergeant posts and 73 inspector posts to cater for the increase in membership of the force; if he intends to sanction these positions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15651/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I received a proposal from the Garda Commissioner within the past month seeking approval for the creation of 443 new sergeant posts and 73 new inspector posts. This proposal is primarily to cater for the substantial increase in membership of the force now under way. It also aims to increase the number of these posts in front line policing. The increase in strength of specialist units over the last five years has considerably strengthened the hand of the Garda Síochána in the fight against crime, but one of the consequences has been to put pressure on the availability of members in middle management for front line policing. In addition, we also have operations, such as Freeflow and Anvil, which involve a heavy commitment of uniform personnel. It is also true that recent developments in the training and development of members have put upward pressure on the number of sergeants and inspectors required.

I am supportive of the case for an increase in the number of sergeant and inspector posts and I note that the case for this has also been recognised by the group, chaired by Senator Maurice Hayes, which recently reported on the implementation of the Garda Siochána Act 2005. It is my intention to submit proposals to Government in the coming weeks on the issue.