Key garda vacancies filled

A new Assistant Commissioner has been approved; there are three new Chief Superintendents and seven Superintendents. 

The force had been the subject of criticism after it emerged that 17 officers had been left on a waiting list to be promoted before the end of the year.

The clock was ticking as the applicants were warned they would have to re-apply for their jobs if they weren't in place before the Policing Authority takes over.