Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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283. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the reason for the delay in promoting members of An Garda Síochána on promotion lists to the rank of sergeant and inspector, respectively, in view of a number of critical reports on the force highlighting the urgent requirement to enhance governance and operational supervision as highlighted in recent reports published by the Garda Síochána Inspectorate, the Policing Authority and the Crowe Horwath report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53353/18]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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The Commission on the Future of Policing have reiterated the need for appropriate support and supervision for Garda recruits, and also the importance of having a greater number of Sergeants and Inspectors deployed to provide supervision in frontline policing. The need for greater operational supervision was also highlighted by the Culture Audit of An Garda Síochána which was published in May this year.

With this in mind, I am pleased that the recent Budget provided resources to increase the number of Sergeants by 110 and the number of Inspectors by 81. As Garda numbers continue to increase towards the target of 15,000 by 2021, it is imperative that the appropriate and commensurate numbers of supervisors are put in place.

As provided for under Section 14 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 the Garda Commissioner is responsible for appointments to the ranks of Sergeant and Inspector. I am informed by the Commissioner that competitions for promotion to these ranks have recently concluded and panels formed, which will be drawn upon as needed, by the Commissioner.

I am further informed that 64 Inspectors and 170 Sergeants have been appointed by the Commissioner from these panels so far and it is expected further appointments will be made early in the new year.