A dispute between Garda management and the Department of Justice over the way that senior gardai will be appointed has been referred to an arbitrator after the two sides failed to reach agreement. The dispute centres on a new appointment system to fill two assistant commissioner posts that have become vacant. Mr Jim McHugh retired as assistant commissioner in charge of the Dublin Metropolitan Region last week. It is expected that a regional commissioner will be seconded to fill the post.
The post of assistant commissioner in Cork is also open. The Garda Commissioner, Mr Pat Byrne, hoped the posts would be filled as they came vacant.
Garda management wants to use the existing method of appointment in which applicants are interviewed by a panel consisting of the Garda Commissioner, a deputy and an outside appointee, usually a senior business figure or academic.
But the Department of Justice is proposing a new panel consisting of the Commissioner, a deputy commissioner, a representative of the Top-Level Appointments Committee and a member of the Civil Service Appointments Commission. The Secretary of the Department of Justice would act as observer. If the committee failed to agree on a candidate, the decision would go to Government.
Garda sources say the new system gives the Secretary of the Department of Justice the power to make senior appointments over the Garda Commissioner. Government sources say there is concern that the promotion system needs to be more transparent and accountable.
It is said there is concern in the Department about the departure of a number of middle-rank officers who were passed over for positions. Two superintendents involved in high-profile developmental work within the force have left in the past year for the private sector.
A meeting between the Department and Garda management was held at Garda Headquarters last month but failed to reach agreement. The dispute has gone to the Garda Conciliation and Arbitration scheme for resolution.