Cork South Central Fine Gael TD Jerry Buttimer has welcomed the announcement by Minister for Justice and Equality, Alan Shatter, TD, that the government has given approval to appoint senior Gardaí.
“In the Dáil today I raised with the Minister the issue of replacing retiring senior Gardaí. The Minister confirmed that the government has approved the necessary appointments, he also outlined that on-going reform in An Garda Síochána will maintain the excellent policing delivered by members of the Gardaí.
“For frontline Gardaí to maintain their effective service to communities across the country it is essential that we maintain a properly resourced leadership team. The Minister has said that he has obtained government approval for the appointment of 2 Assistant Commissioners, 8 Chief Superintendents and 23 Superintendents in An Garda Síochána. He has also secured sanctioning to fill the consequential vacancies at Inspector and Sergeant levels. The announcement by the Minister will ensure that there is continuity of leadership at command level within the Garda Síochána.
“Today’s decision will ensure that the Government maintains supervisory and management ranks in An Garda Síochána. It is a very positive development at this time and these appointments reflect the commitment of the Government to maintain supervisory and management ranks at the highest level possible. It is also evidence that the Government does have plans in place for early retirements which will take effect at the end of February.
“At the end of February it is anticipated that the strength of the Garda Force will be approximately at 2007 levels. The appointments announced today and the on-going reforms should offer reassurance that local policing levels will be maintained. Reform and reorganisation is key to continuing to deliver efficient policing. I would commend all Gardaí for the significant reforms that have been introduced and for their continuing commitment to the local communities which they serve.”