171 senior Garda posts remain to be filled

More than 170 senior positions in the Garda ranks are vacant even though the Government has given the go-ahead for the roles to be filled.

According to figures released by Justice Minister Alan Shatter, there are currently 2,352 officers holding ranks ranging from sergeant up to the highest position, Garda commissioner.

However, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform has given sanction for a total of 2,523 officers across those ranks.