Gardaí warn of consequences of leaving top positions unfilled

Gardaí have said the force is being decimated over the justice minister’s failure to fill over 60 vacancies caused by the large-scale retirement of senior officers.

However, Alan Shatter has promised to seek Government approval in the near future to fill the large number of vacancies among top-ranking gardaí, following a barrage of criticism over delays in promoting officers to key positions.

The Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors yesterday warned of the consequences of the failure to fill crucial gaps in the force.