Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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515. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason he failed to make the initial recruitment from the Garda reserve during the recent recruitment process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9011/14]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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It is important that all persons wishing to join the full time force undergo the same competitive selection and recruitment process. In doing so the integrity of the process is maintained at all stages of the competition.

The Deputy will be aware that recruitment to An Garda Síochána is governed by the Garda Síochána (Admissions and Appointments) Regulations 2013. These regulations provide that, as part of the competitive selection process organised by the Public Appointments Service for full-time membership of An Garda Síochána, "due recognition to any satisfactory service by the person as a reserve member"will be given to such members. This provision was introduced in order to acknowledge the beneficial experience and skills gained by a reserve member and to allow them the opportunity to highlight that experience and skill during the selection process.

I have been informed that the first stages of the recruitment competition have now been completed. Candidates who have qualified through these have been placed in order of merit into three bands and those in Band one are now being invited to complete stage two of the competition. Members of the Garda Reserves who were successful at the first stage will also proceed to stage 2 and will have an opportunity to highlight their experiences and skill during stage 2.