Clare Daly (Dublin North, United Left)
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132. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality with regard to Garda appointments, the reason there seems to be a preference provided to sergeants who were involved in office-bound duties being promoted to the rank of inspector ahead of their peers who carry out front-line duties on a day-to-day basis. [48715/14]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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Promotion competitions within An Garda Síochána are run in strict compliance with An Garda Síochána (Promotion) Regulations 2006, as amended.

I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that all members who apply for and are eligible for promotion are invited to take part in a competency based interview. This interview is conducted by an independent interview board comprising two civilian members and one Garda member.

The interview board conducts interviews to select the most suitable candidates for promotion. Preference is not given to members based in any particular section or unit within An Garda Síochána.

Promotions are also subject to the Commission for Public Service Appointments Code of Practice“Appointments to positions in the civil service and public service”.