Government announces Garda appointments to fill ‘critical’ vacancies

The Government has today announced 11 senior appointments to An Garda Síochána in order to fill vacancies described as “critical” by Garda Commissioner Nóirín O’Sullivan.

Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald had come under pressure to fill vacancies in the positions of Assistant Commissioner, Chief Superintendent and Superintendent in An Garda Síochána.

Cabinet has approved one appointment to Assistant Commissioner, three to Chief Superintendent and seven to Superintendent.

Speaking after yesterday’s Cabinet meeting, Ms Fitzgerald said: “Since September there have been a number of mainly voluntary retirements from the senior ranks of An Garda Síochána.

“The Government is determined that there is no undue delay filling critical Garda vacancies and is determined to ensure that An Garda Síochána has a leadership team that can address the serious challenges it faces every day in maintaining law and order.

“So having consulted with the Garda Commissioner, I proposed to Government that the 8 existing vacancies in the senior ranks be filled immediately and the Government has decided to make those appointments as well as a further three consequential appointments.”

Commissioner O’Sullivan urged the Government to make the appointments instead of deferring to the new Policing Authority, which takes control of senior Garda appointments next year.

Ms Fitzgerald added: “These appointments are within the agreed strength of the Employment Control Framework and the Policing Authority has been consulted on them.

“The establishment of the Policing Authority represents one of the most significant and progressive reforms to the sector over recent years. We are absolutely committed to the Authority assuming its functions in relation to senior appointments. The intention is to bring the Regulations to Government for approval in December and that the Authority will take over the appointment function by 1 January. Once this is done it will be a matter for the Authority to undertake its own selection competitions for appointments to these ranks.”