Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 116: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of vacancies currently at the rank of Sergeants, Inspectors, Superintendents, Chief Superintendents and Assistant Commissioner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29910/12]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 129: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which any positions remain to be filled in An Garda Síochána at all rank levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30022/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 116 and 129 together.

I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the strength of An Garda Síochána in all ranks on the 31 May 2012, the latest date for which figures are available, was as set out in the following table.

While regulations have previously provided for the numbers permitted in each rank, these have been upper ceilings for those numbers, rather than target strengths, and it is therefore not practical to indicate precise levels of vacancies at the different ranks. It is a matter for Government to decide on the number of appointments to senior ranks (above Inspector level), and a matter for the Commissioner to make appointments to ranks up to Inspector level.

I am, however, fully conscious of the importance of maintaining a sufficient strength in the senior ranks to support the investigative, management and supervisory capacity of the Force. To this end I am in ongoing discussions with my colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform with a view to agreeing an approach by Government on the appropriate strengths in the senior ranks, taking into account reforms and efficiencies being implemented by the Commissioner. I expect that this will enable the making of a number of senior appointments in the near future.