asked the Minister for Justice the number of vacancies for the position of Garda sergeant in the Connemara area of the Galway division; when he intends to have these vacancies filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

There are six vacancies for sergeants in the Connemara area.

The filling of these vacancies will be considered by the Garda authorities as soon as further appointments to the rank of sergeant are made. Arrangements are at present being made for the holding of interviews for promotion to the rank of sergeant.

Will the Minister assure me that every sergeant appointed will be competent to discharge his duties in the Irish language?

As the Minister for the Public Service has indicated, any member of the public who wants to do business with the Public Service through Irish will be able to do so. This will be the position in Connemara.