Written answers

Tuesday, 31 March 2015

Department of Justice and Equality

Garda Strength

Photo of Niall CollinsNiall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

420. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda vacancies outstanding by rank; the period of time they have been vacant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13386/15]

Photo of Frances FitzgeraldFrances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for the distribution of personnel among the Garda Regions, Divisions and Districts, the various Garda national units and of course Garda Headquarters. 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 strengths for ranks above Garda rank are given in a table, together with current actual strength (as of the end of February 2015). 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. Competitions to fill vacancies at Sergeant and Inspector are currently being organised by the Garda Commissioner.

RankActual strengthApproved max. strength
*COMMISSIONER11
**D/COMMISSIONER02
A/COMMISSIONER88
C/SUPERINTENDENT4445
SUPERINTENDENT166166
INSPECTOR261300
SERGEANT1,9082,000

Photo of Niall CollinsNiall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

421. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí currently on sick leave and entitled to retire in the coming 12 months; the current national strength of An Garda Síochána; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13387/15]

Photo of Frances FitzgeraldFrances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the number of Gardaí on sick leave as at 27 March 2015 was 480 members. The number of Garda members who may retire, having completed 30 years service and who are at least 50 years of age in the period between 27 March 2015 and 31 December 2015 is 1,457. I have asked the Commissioner for the number who may be in a position to retire in the period to 31 March 2016 and when this information is to hand, I will write directly to the Deputy.

I am also informed by the Garda Commissioner that the strength of the Garda Síochána on 28th February 2015 was 12,763. The Deputy will be aware that there are currently 300 recruits in the Garda College. The first intake of these recruits will attest as members of the Garda Síochána in May 2015 and the December and February intakes will attest in August and October respectively.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.