GARDA COMMISSIONER Fachtna Murphy and Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern have secured Cabinet approval for a series of Garda promotions, despite the promotions moratorium across the public sector.
The 13 promotions, to the ranks of superintendent and chief superintendent, are significant in that they suggest the Garda force is to be granted leeway with promotions when key postings need to be filled.
Mr Murphy has been in talks with Mr Ahern with a view to securing concessions on promotions into vacancies arising from retirements.
It was believed the posts would be filled through the transfer of personnel, leaving vacancies elsewhere. However, Cabinet approved the promotions yesterday, meaning no vacancies at superintendent or chief superintendent rank will arise as a result.
The most significant of the chief superintendents’ posts to be filled is that of head of the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation. Supt Pat Byrne is the favourite to take the post.