Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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166. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will fill vacancies at the rank of sergeant, inspector, superintendent and chief superintendent in the Garda Síochána in the near future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9781/16]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of personnel, among the Garda Regions, Divisions, and Districts. Garda management keeps this distribution under continuing review taking into account crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the best possible use is made of these resources.

Appointments to the ranks of sergeant and inspector are a matter for the Garda Commissioner under section 14 of Garda Síochána Act 2005. I am informed by the Commissioner that 120 sergeants were appointed recently following the conclusion of a promotion competition in accordance with the Garda Síochána (Promotion) Regulations 2006. I am further informed that a competition in accordance with the 2006 Regulations for the selection of persons for appointment to the rank of inspector is to be concluded shortly.

Appointments to the rank of superintendent and chief superintendent continue to be a matter for Government in accordance with section 13 of the 2005 Act, pending the transfer of this function to the Policing Authority. Again I am informed by the Commissioner that competitions are in train in accordance with the 2006 Regulations for the selection of persons for appointment to these ranks and that the names of the successful applicants will be forwarded in due course for appointment at the discretion of the Government.

I am committed to the Authority assuming its function in relation to these appointments as soon as possible and with that in mind my Department is working as a matter of priority on the preparations required to effect this transfer including the preparation of amendments to the 2006 and other Regulations.