The Justice Minister has announced the appointments of 14 Garda Superintendents and 4 Chief Superintendents.

Speaking after the Cabinet meeting this afternoon Minister Alan Shatter said the government remains "strongly determined" to help the Gardaí in the fight against crime "in these difficult times".

He says the promotions will maintain the strength of senior Garda ranks and contribute towards the maintenance of operational capacity.

The appointments were made following a selection process in accordance with the statutory regulations governing promotions in the force.

These are in addition to the promotion of Gardaí and Sergeants to 82 Sergeant and 34 Inspector positions that were made by the Commissioner on March 28th.

'Any further vacancies will be promptly filled'

The Minister added that "The agreement that has been reached will enable the strength of the senior and supervisory ranks to be maintained at these new levels, so that any further vacancies within those levels will be promptly filled. This will contribute significantly towards the maintenance of the operational capacity and effectiveness of the Garda Síochána".

The Minster concluded by saying "I can assure them and all Gardaí that, despite the economic difficulties, we will continue to resource the Garda Síochána to the fullest extent possible".

The allocation of all those promoted and appointed to their divisions and districts is a matter for the Commissioner and his senior management team.

It comes ahead of the the address by the Garda Commissioner at the GRA conference in Mayo.