Cabinet approval to fill senior garda vacancies

A RAFT of senior vacancies in the Garda Siochána were filled yesterday following a cabinet meeting.

The cabinet agreed to the 13 appointments as “exceptions” to the moratorium on appointments and promotions in the public service.

Justice Minister Dermot Ahern made the request following briefings with Garda Commissioner Fachtna Murphy.

Following the cabinet decision, three superintendents have been promoted to rank of chief superintendent in the following divisions/sections: Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) East, the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation and Garda Telecommunications in Garda Headquarters.

Those positions are expected to go to John Harnett, superintendent in Blanchardstown (DMR West), Pat Byrne, superintendent in the Garda National Drugs Unit and Eamon Murray, superintendent in Telecoms.

Eight inspectors have been promoted to rank of superintendent, in the following districts: Roscommon, Milford (Donegal), Swinford (Mayo), Ballinasloe (Galway), Tullamore (Offaly), Donnybrook (DMR South Central), Boyle (Roscommon) and Westport (Mayo).

Two positions of detective superintendent have also been filled: DMR West and DMR South Central.

A spokesman for Mr Ahern said the posts are key vacancies and the minister believes they have to be filled. He was briefed by the Garda Commissioner on the importance of these positions and sought cabinet approval to have these filled.