Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 586: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide in tabular form the number of vacant Chief Superintendent, Superintendent, Inspectors and Sergeant positions broken down by region, division and sub district where applicable. [36407/12]

Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 588: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will outline in tabular form the number of promotions that will occur in An Garda Siochána this year, the positions involved, the regions divisions, districts and sub districts involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36409/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 586 and 588 together.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the personnel strength of An Garda Síochána on 30 June 2012 was set out as follows.

As the Deputy will be aware, on Tuesday I secured Cabinet approval for the following appointments.

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.

The agreement I have reached with my colleague will in fact enable the appointment of 1 Assistant Commissioner, 7 Chief Superintendents and 18 Superintendents, as well as the filling of consequential senior vacancies arising from these appointments. I will be seeking the approval of the Government for the balance of the appointments as soon as new Garda promotion panels have been established. The agreement also means that, from now on, the strength of the senior ranks can be maintained at these new levels, so that any further vacancies within those levels will be promptly filled. This will contribute significantly towards the maintenance of the operational capacity and effectiveness of the Garda Síochána.

The allocation of all resources, including personnel, is a matter for the Garda Commissioner in consultation with his senior management. I have no direct role in this matter.