MINISTER FOR Justice Alan Shatter has confirmed 26 senior Garda appointments have been approved.
The Minister said the changes include the appointment by the Government of one assistant commissioner, four chief superintendents and 13 superintendents.
He said the Department of Public Expenditure had sanctioned the promotions.
However, John Parker, president of the Garda Representative Body urged the recruitment of rank and file gardaí .
“I welcome the announcement of appointments today as the gardaí try to reclaim high ground. With the increase in burglaries and armed raids, it is clear we need more feet on the street,” said Mr Parker.
“Crimes increase in a recession so in the economic downturn, our policing needs to be properly resourced. Ireland is the only country in the EU with no police officers in training. This is not sustainable”.