Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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534. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if supervisory ranks at a station (details supplied) will be filled; the positions vacant at present; when they are likely to be filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46651/17]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and Districts and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. I am assured by the Commissioner that the allocation of Gardaí is continually monitored and reviewed taking into account all relevant factors including crime trends, demographics, and security assessments relating to the area in question so as to ensure optimal use is made of Garda human resources.

The Garda Station referred to forms part of the Cavan/Monaghan Division.  I am informed by the Commissioner that on the 30 September 2017 the latest date for which figures are readily available the strength of the Cavan/Monaghan Division was 321.  I am further informed that the strength of the Garda Station in question was 43 including 1 Superintendent, 1 Inspector and 6 Sergeants. There are also 12 Garda Reserves and 38 civilians attached to the Division.  When appropriate, the work of local Gardaí is supported by a number of Garda national units such as the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau and the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau.

The filling of vacancies in the supervisory ranks of Sergeant and Inspector is a matter for the Garda Commissioner who has responsibility under the Garda Síochána (Promotion) Regulations 2006 (as amended) for holding competitions for the selection of members for promotion to these ranks.

I am advised by the Commissioner that competitions for promotion to the ranks of Sergeant and Inspector are currently in train and that the requirements of each Garda Division including the Cavan/ Monaghan Division will be considered by the Commissioner when assigning successful candidates from these competitions.