Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

775. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda Reserve members that made it to stage three of the recruitment process for An Garda Síochána; the weighting given to those applicants that had indicated to have been attested by An Garda Síochána as a reserve; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13582/14]

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

The Public Appointments Service (PAS) is managing the recruitment process for the Garda Commissioner and I have no direct involvement in the matter.

The number of Garda reserve applicants who made it through to the current round of assessments and tests is not readily available. The Admission and Appointment 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" shall be given to such candidates. This provision was introduced in order to acknowledge the beneficial experience and skills gained by a reserve member and to allow them, at assessments and at interview, the opportunity to highlight that experience and skill. 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.