Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 155: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of vacancies currently at the rank of sergeants, inspectors, superintendents, chief superintendents and assistant commissioners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19673/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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On the 7 February 2012, I secured approval for the appointment of 2 Assistant Garda Commissioners, 8 Chief Superintendents and 23 Superintendents, a total of 33 appointments to senior Garda ranks. All of the consequential vacancies at Sergeant and Inspector ranks will also be filled.

I was very glad to secure the agreement of my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, and the Cabinet as a whole for such a significant number of appointments. In seeking these promotions, I was conscious of the need to enable the Garda Commissioner to fill key positions in the senior ranks, and to maintain both the investigative and also the management and supervisory capacity of the Force.

Furthermore, I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the strength of An Garda Síochána in all ranks on the 29 February 2012, the latest date for which figures are available, were as set out in the table below.

The Deputy will be aware that the Commissioner, in consultation with his senior management team, is responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, throughout the organisation. This allocation of resources is constantly monitored in the context of crime trends, policing needs and other operational strategies in place on a District, Divisional and Regional level to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public.