Grace Boland (Dublin Fingal West, Fine Gael)
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55. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the reason a number of senior leadership positions within An Garda Síochána remain vacant; the impact this is having on operational effectiveness, including the requirement for members to act in higher ranks on a temporary basis; when these vacancies will be filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36521/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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The Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024 set out a new framework for how An Garda Síochána operates. This significant legislative reform which was implemented over the course of the last year necessitated a temporary pause in promotion competitions for certain senior ranks, that is, superintendent and above, until the commencement of the Act and implementation of new Regulations which I signed into law on 2 April last.

Under the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024 (Appointment to the Ranks of Assistant Garda Commissioner, Chief Superintendent and Superintendent) Regulations 2025 (S.I. 113 of 2025 ) – competitions for vacancies at senior ranks will now be run by An Garda Síochána.

The existing promotion list had been fully used so no new appointments could be made until the new framework under the Act was fully operational. I understand that this led to several people acting up in higher ranks on a temporary, albeit remunerated, basis to maintain continuity of leadership and service delivery.The Garda Commissioner has confirmed that a new promotion competition for the rank of superintendent will conclude in September. This will facilitate the filling of outstanding vacancies and the restoration of full leadership capacity across An Garda Síochána. While this temporary gap has presented some challenges, I am assured that Garda management have taken steps to mitigate operational impacts, including the assignment of experienced members in acting roles and the continued oversight of regional and national leadership structures.

The Government remains committed to supporting An Garda Síochána in its recruitment, retention, and leadership development efforts. I am confident that the forthcoming promotions will strengthen operational effectiveness and enhance community policing across the State.I will continue to monitor this matter closely in collaboration with the Garda Commissioner and ensure that the necessary resources and processes are in place to support the organisation’s leadership and strategic goals.