880. Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Gardaí who hold the rank of detective; their location based on division; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16173/13] 

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter): The Deputy will be aware that here is no rank of Detective in the Garda Síochána. Members of the Garda Síochána, at the ranks of Garda to Chief Superintendent inclusive, may be assigned to Detective duties by the Garda Commissioner. I have been informed by the Commissioner that on 28 February 2013, the latest date for which figures are readily available, the personnel strength of each Divisional Detective Unit was as set out in the following table. The Deputy will appreciate that for security and operational reasons, it is Garda policy not to disclose the number of Detective personnel assigned to individual specialist units.