Written Answers. - Parliamentary Debates - Houses of the Oireachtas

Questions— 14 February 2012. Written Answers
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter): The number of requests sought,
approved and refused, for additional civilian staff in An Garda Síochána for the years 2009-
2011 and to date in 2012 was as set out in the attached table. It must be remembered that the
moratorium on public service recruitment and appointments continues to apply in the Garda
Síochána for civilian staff and sworn members. Derogations may be sought from the moratorium
in exceptional circumstances from the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
Year Grade Number Sought Approved Refused
2009 — 0 0 0
2010 — 0 0 0
2011 Crime and Policing 2 0 2
Analysts
2011 Higher Executive 7 4 3
Officer
2011 Executive Officer 4 4 0
2011 Staff Officer 1 0 1
2011 Clerical Officers 35 0 35*
2011 District Finance To replace as Acting up posts Permanent
Officers required where necessary replacements
2012 — 0 0 0
*Sanction was received for the filling of 20 temporary clerical officer positions in 2011 in the central vetting unit
in Thurles.
Garda Operations
531. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda
checkpoints that were carried out in the Dublin region on the 31 December 2011 and 1 January
2012; the number of persons arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated; the number
of successful convictions secured to date; if he will provide same for each of the past four years;
and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8219/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter): In the time available it has not
been possible for the Garda authorities to supply the information requested by the Deputy. I
will be in contact with the Deputy when the information is to hand.
Citizenship Applications
532. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if an application
for naturalisation by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry will be granted; and if he will
make a statement on the matter. [8252/12]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter): A valid application for a certificate
of naturalisation from the person referred to by the Deputy was received in the Citizenship
Division of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) in August 2009.
The application is at an advanced stage of processing. The person concerned will be informed
of my decision on his application in due course.
The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which
confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union
level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of
the process.
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