KENNY WELCOMES FILLING OF SENIOR GARDA POSITIONS

Posted on February 7, 2012 5:23 PM   |   Permanent Link   

Dublin North East Labour T.D., and member of the Oireachtas Justice Committee Sean Kenny welcomed the appointment today, by the Government, of 2 Assistant Commissioners, 8 Chief Superintendents and 23 Superintendents in An Garda Síochána.

"I am very pleased that the Government today made these appointments. I have also been made aware that consequential vacancies at Inspector and Sergeant level, arising from these senior appointments, are to be filled by the Commissioner. This is a very positive development and these appointments reflect the commitment of the Government to maintain the supervisory and management ranks in An Garda Síochána at the highest level possible.

"It is essential that An Garda Síochána is able to operate at full capacity, and for that to happen, senior appointments need to be filled, and more junior officer ranks also need to be fully staffed. These ranks are all essential in order enable An Garda Síochána to detect and deter criminal activity in our communities. In particular, I welcome the confirmation of the appointment of a new Chief Superintendent for the North Dublin Region which has been vacant for some time.

"Garda strength at the end of February 2012 is expected to be 13,551 based on current projections. This is very close to the strength at the end of 2007, which was 13,755. I would like to compliment all members of An Garda Síochána for the significant reforms that have been introduced in recent times. I have the fullest confidence in the Commissioner and the members in continuing on the delivery of this reform and on the commitments in the Garda Síochána Policing plan for 2012."