Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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1440.To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of promotional positions within An Garda Síochána that remain vacant at present; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31104/24]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including for the recruitment, training and allocation of Garda members and staff to a given unit. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.

The Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs to fight crime and a strengthened, well-resourced Garda organisation is central to this policy. I was pleased to secure unprecedented funding of over €2.35 billion for this year, a 25% increase since 2020 which is supporting the continued recruitment of Garda members and staff.

While the Garda Commissioner is operationally responsible for the allocation of Garda resources, I engage regularly with him to ensure our Gardaí have the resources they need. I am informed that when consideration is given to the allocation and transfer of Garda members to and from any Division, account is given to commitments and undertakings outlined in the Annual Policing Plan and priorities as determined in delivering ‘A Policing Service for The Future’.

The table below, which has been provided to me by the Garda Authorities, sets out the number of promotional vacancies for Garda members, by rank, on 12 July 2024.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that there are currently 300 vacant posts which may afford promotional opportunities to staff currently serving in An Garda Síochána, subject to the individual having the required qualifications, skills and competencies.

Candidates to fill these vacancies will be recruited from internal recruitment of staff already serving in An Garda Síochána and external recruitment through recruitment partners, Public Jobs and Staffline. All staff currently employed in An Garda Síochána are eligible to apply for all external recruitment opportunities managed by these recruitment partners.

The further table below sets out the current number of promotional vacancies for Garda staff, by position as of 12 July.