Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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155. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda sergeants in each of the Cork Garda divisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28462/18]

Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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156. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of vacancies for Garda sergeant positions in each of the Cork Garda divisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28463/18]

Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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157. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of vacant Garda sergeant positions in each of the Cork Garda divisions by those vacant 0 to 6, 6 to 12 and greater than 12 months, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28464/18]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 155 to 157, inclusive, together.

As the Deputy will appreciate, the distribution of personnel is a matter for the Garda Commissioner and I, as Minister have no direct role in the matter. I am assured by the Commissioner that Garda personnel assigned throughout the country, together with overall policing arrangements and operational strategies, are continually monitored and reviewed. Such monitoring ensures that optimum use is made of Garda Resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the general public.

Appointments to the rank  of Sergeant are a matter for the Commissioner under section 14 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005.

I am advised by the Commissioner that the overall strength of the Sergeant rank was 1,845 as of 31 May 2018, the latest date for which figures are available. I am further advised by the Commissioner that there is currently a competition in train for promotion to the rank of Sergeant with the aim of bringing the strength to 2,000 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 including the Cork Divisions will be fully considered when determining the allocation of Sergeants.

For the Deputy’s information I have set out below in tabular form the number of Garda Sergeants in each of the Cork Divisions, on 31 December 2016, 30 June 2017, 31 December 2017 and on 31 May 2018 the latest date for which figures are currently available.

Cork Divisions Sergeant Strength