Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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154. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of posts at all ranks awaiting to be filled in An Garda Síochána; when such appointments are likely to take place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2107/15]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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One of the primary functions of the Garda Commissioner under the Garda Síochána Acts is to direct and control An Garda Síochána. The Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of personnel among the Garda Regions, Divisions, and Districts. Garda management keep this distribution under continuing review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the best possible use is made of these resources. This necessary ongoing flexibility in the distribution of personnel means that it is not feasible to identify specific vacancies within specific areas of the force.

At a national level, sanction has been given by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform for a maximum strength in each rank. The agreed strength for ranks above Garda rank are given in the table overleaf, together with actual strength as of the end of November 2014. Where current actual strength is below the approved maximum strength, it is the Garda Commissioner who will make the necessary arrangements to have the balance of posts filled through promotion competitions.

Promotion competitions to fill vacancies at the ranks of Chief Superintendent and Superintendent have been completed and panels for appointment to these ranks have been put in place. Competitions for promotion to the ranks of Inspector and Sergeant will commence as early as possible this year.