Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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590. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of vacant posts from the rank of sergeant upwards in An Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16698/18]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. Garda management keeps this distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the optimum use is made of these resources.

For the Deputy's information I have set out below the strength of each of the Garda ranks and the agreed strength under the Employment Control Framework as of 31 March 2018, the latest date for which figures are currently available.

The Deputy will be aware that a competition is in train to select the next Garda Commissioner. The process is being undertaken by the Public Appointment Service under the auspices of the independent Policing Authority for the first time. The competition closing date was 12 April last. 

Appointments to the rank of Sergeant and Inspector are a matter for the Commissioner under section 14 of Garda Síochána Act 2005. I am advised by the Commissioner that there is currently a competition in train for promotion to the ranks of Sergeant and Inspector with the aim of bringing the strength to 300 and 2,000, respectively, as agreed under the Employment Control Framework. I am assured by the Commissioner that following completion of these competitions the needs of all Garda Divisions will be fully considered when determining the allocation of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors.

Strength of each rank as compared to the ECF as of 31 March 2018