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

390. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the plans being put in place for further recruitment for An Garda Síochána in the coming years, in view of the fact that current recruitment levels will not be sufficient to keep pace with the numbers leaving the force; the projected number of recruits needed to maintain a force of more than 13,000 officers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27983/14]

Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

419. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the current position in the recent Garda recruitment drive; if a panel has been formed from which candidates will be drawn for consideration to be Garda recruits; the number of gardaí that will be recruited; when the first batch will be in training in Templemore; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28153/14]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 390 and 419 together.

The Public Appointments Service (PAS) are managing this recruitment process on behalf of the Garda Commissioner and I have no direct involvement in the matter. However, I am informed that following receipt of 24,000 applications, PAS invited candidates to complete Stage 1 of the competition which consisted of an assessment questionnaire and reasoning tests which were undertaken on-line. I understand that around 18,000 candidates completed this stage and fewer than 13,000 candidates reached a satisfactory standard. Those who did achieve a satisfactory standard were placed in three bands determined by their overall scores.

The top 5,000 candidates (i.e. those in Band 1) were invited to take a subsequent battery of tests and of that number, just over 3,000 were successful. The top 600 of that group were then invited to supervised assessments and interviews. These interviews have now been completed and successful candidates have had their details forwarded to the Garda Commissioner under whose direction, candidates will undergo physical, medical and security checks. Those remaining from Band 1 will be brought forward for further assessment as required in accordance with Government policy. PAS will revisit those candidates in Band 2 and possibly Band 3, if required.

The next intake of recruits to An Garda Síochána (104 approx.) are scheduled to commence training in the Garda College, Templemore, in late July 2014.