andMr. Tunney asked the Minister for Justice the number of vacancies that exist in the Garda Síochána for superintendents or higher ranks; and when they will be filled.

The vacancies that existed in the ranks of superintendent and chief superintendent, some of which were consequential on promotions, were filled as a result of a Government decision on 10th May. The Garda Síochána (Ranks) Order, 1977, would allow the establishment of one extra post in each of the ranks of chief superintendent and superintendent and it is proposed to fill them in the near future.