Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
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299. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality her views that a weighting should be placed on membership of the Garda Reserve in the process to recruit new members of An Garda Síochána; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38149/14]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The Garda Síochána (Admissions and Appointments) Regulations 2013 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. It is not intended that any further weighting be placed on membership of the Garda Reserve at this stage.