Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 318: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of promotional posts within the Garda Síochána that remain unfilled because of budgetary cutbacks; the number of such posts that have been filled but remain unpaid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6154/10]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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As of 31st December 2009 the strength of the force was 14,547 with an additional 232 students in training. While some 700 members of the force retired in 2009 over 900 students were attested as sworn members in the same period. The Deputy will be aware that I recently secured sanction from the Minister for Finance for a significant derogation from the moratorium on recruitment and appointments in the public service. As a result of this some 170 positions will be filled in An Garda Síochána in the very near future. The Commissioner is in the process of organising competitions from which successful candidates will be promoted to fill vacancies throughout the force and it is expected that this process will be completed as soon as is practicable.