Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 227: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that it is common practice within the Garda that persons who are working within specialist units, who seek promotion, are required to leave their specialist unit and return to general policing on acceptance of promotion; and if he will review this practice in order to encourage the retention of specialist experience within these units. [32641/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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Regulation 17 of the Garda Síochána (Promotion) Regulations 2006 was carried over from the 1987 Promotion Regulations at the request of An Garda Síochána. This regulation provides that, other than in certain technical sections, a member who is promoted to a rank not above inspector shall within three months be assigned to uniformed police duty and remain on such assignment for at least a year. It is my understanding that Garda Management want members of An Garda Síochána to have a broad range of experience in policing management, and this is achieved by ensuring movement within the system upon promotion. Garda Management is satisfied that this rotation of personnel is mutually beneficial to both the members concerned and the organisation.