John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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477. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason no exemptions are made for serving Garda Reserves when applying for permanent Garda positions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26998/14]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I wish to put on record my appreciation for the contribution that those who volunteer for service as Garda Reserve members make on a daily basis to the work of An Garda Síochána. Together with full time members, they provide vital assistance to communities and neighbourhoods right across the country. 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. A candidate who fails any stage of the process will be eliminated and will not be allowed re-enter this particular competition.

The competition for the selection of Garda Trainees attracts a very high number of applicants. Accordingly, the selection process to become a Garda Trainee is comprehensive, with candidates required to undertake a range of relevant assessment tests and exercises over a number of selection stages. The assessment process will ensure that those that are successful including Garda Reserve members have the capability both to pass the BA course in Applied Policing, as well as the ability to carry out the important functions of a full-time member. I wish to point out that not all Garda Reserve members wish to become full-time members. It is important that those who do apply for a full-time position have the capability to do so.