Tánaiste silent on critical Garda vacancies

Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald has refused to confirm whether eight “critical vacancies” in Garda management will be filled before the Policing Authority takes over the role in six weeks.

Ms Fitzgerald said it was made “very clear” to the 17 gardaí currently waiting to be promoted that the panels they were on would “expire” when the authority took over.

The gardaí will then have to reapply for the posts under the authority.