Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

827. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the format that the resumed Garda recruitment will entail; when it will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46994/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The recruitment process for entry to the Garda Síochána, which is managed by the Public Appointments Service, consists of a series of assessments, competitive interview, physical and medical tests and security checks.

On entry to the Garda College, trainees will undergo the new student/probationer training programme which has been restructured into 3 phases. Phase I is for 32 weeks at the Garda College, at the end of which successful students will be attested (i.e. become members of the Garda Síochána with full police powers). Phase II is for 65 weeks based in Garda stations, and Phase III consists of 7 weeks of exam preparation, exams and assessments. The programme will result in an award of a Bachelor of Arts (Level 7) in Police Studies.

There are a number of procedural issues that need to be finalised prior to the formal commencement of that competition and these are expected to conclude in the coming weeks. A further announcement will be issued as soon as recruitment starts, both on the Public Appointments Service website and directly to those who have registered an expression of interest in joining the Garda Síochána.

Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

828. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to review the application process for members of the public to join An Garda Síochána to prioritise those members of the Garda Reserve whose members are fully attested and have completed their two year probation period. [47039/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Deputy will be aware that recruitment to An Garda Síochána is governed by statutory regulations. The current regulations expressly provide that the Public Appointments Service will take into account any satisfactory service by a person as a reserve member of the Garda Síochána when they are applying to join the full time force. These regulations are currently being consolidated and revised and the same provisions for Reserve members will be incorporated into the new regulations.

Arrangements are currently being finalised in conjunction with the Garda Commissioner and the Public Appointments Service, for the holding of the recently announced Garda recruitment competition, including in relation to the processing of applications by members of the Garda Reserve.