(Cavan-Monaghan): With the permission of the Chair, I wish to ask a supplementary question on Question No. 2. Does the Minister know whether any sergeants who are on the beat from Cork stations have been promoted within the last 25 years?

The Deputy asked this question and the Minister answered it.

(Cavan-Monaghan): No, he did not.

He said a sergeant. I do not know where he was from.

(Cavan-Monaghan): No, he did not answer. Through the Chair, would the Minister answer that question, please?

I have answered that question. The matter of promotion from that rank is a matter for the commissioner.

(Cavan-Monaghan): I accept that. I am suggesting to the Minister that if no sergeants have been promoted from these stations in the last 25 years, it would appear that this requires some explanation as to the fitness of the sergeants for the original promotion?

Or as to why they were not promoted.

Does Deputy Barry Desmond wish to ask a supplementary question?

I should like to hear the reply.

I have answered the question already. I have stated that there were 15 promotions in the past ten years.

(Cavan-Monaghan): From where?

From the specific area about which the Deputy is speaking—Cork city.

The Minister has not replied.

I have replied.

I should like to hear the reply, then.