The Government has announced it will fill a number of key vacancies within An Garda Síochana.

One appointment has been approved to the position of Assistant Commissioner, three have been approved to Chief Superintendent and seven to Superintendent.

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.

Tánaiste and Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald says the Government is determined that there is no undue delay filling critical Garda vacancies.

She also said she was determined to ensure that An Garda Síochána has a leadership team that can address the serious challenges it faces.

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald said:“The Government is determined that there is no undue delay filling critical Garda vacancies and is determined to ensure that An Garda Síochána has a leadership team that can address the serious challenges it faces every day in maintaining law and order.”