Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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328. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if Garda reserves will be invited to apply for the next round of recruitment for An Garda Síochána; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46041/14]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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Recruitment competitions to An Garda Síochána are open to all who meet the eligibility criteria which are set out in the Garda Síochána (Admissions and Appointments) Regulations 2013.

For those who do meet these requirements, 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.