asked the Minister for Justice if his attention has been drawn to the discrimination being practised against garda sergeants on the beat in Cork city which has resulted in no qualified sergeant on the beat being promoted in Cork city during the past 25 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The promotion of members of the force up to and including the rank of inspector is, by law, a matter for the commissioner. Promotion to the rank of inspector is made through selection by a central interview board in accordance with procedures laid down in the Garda Síochána promotion regulations, and members are promoted on the basis of objective assessment. In the circumstances, I cannot see that discrimination could be exercised against sergeants in a particular area and performing particular duties and I have indeed been assured by the commissioner that no such discrimination has been or is being practised.

May I ask a supplementary on the last question?

Could we have order and allow the Minister to be heard.

The Ceann Comhairle had called me.

May I ask a supplementary on the last question, please?

Order, please. The Chair has no trouble dealing with one side of the House.

As long as it is one side only.