Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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276. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to set out the number of retirements in An Garda Síochána from the rank of superintendent up to Commissioner since 1 January 2017, by rank, role and location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17656/18]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who is  responsible for carrying on and managing and controlling generally the administration and business of An Garda Síochána.

I have included in my reply for the Deputy's information details of departures from An Garda Síochána for the ranks of Superintendent to Commissioner inclusive from 1 January 2017 to date, as provided to me by the Garda authorities. These figures include departures arising from voluntary, compulsory, or cost neutral early retirement, resignation, death, dismissal and medical discharge.

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.

In relation to the ranks of Superintendent to Assistant Commissioner inclusive it is a matter for the Policing Authority under Regulation 5 of Garda Síochána Act 2005 (Appointments to the Ranks of Assistant Garda Commissioner, Chief Superintendent and Superintendent) Regulations 2016 to keep under review the need for competitions to be held for the purpose of making appointments to the ranks concerned and to ensure that it has arrangements in place to undertake required competitions without undue delay. Regulation 5 further provides that the Commissioner shall keep the Authority fully informed with regard to vacancies likely to arise.