Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

96. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if a particular percentage of the posts in An Garda Síochána's recruitment process is being reserved for serving members of An Garda Síochána Reserve; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44287/15]

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

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.

The recruitment campaign for 2016 for full-time members of An Garda Síochána, which I announced recently, includes a special stream for eligible members of the Garda Reserve. As the Deputy will appreciate the reserve membershave undergone training in many of the skills required to be an effective full-time member of An Garda Síochána and have gained experience in operational policing. It is right, therefore, that satisfactory service by a reserve member be given due recognition in the selection process. It is not the case, however, that a percentage of trainee Garda positions is being reserved for successful candidates who meet the eligibility requirements for the special stream.

The Public Appointments Service (PAS) is organising the recently announced 2016 recruitment competition on behalf of the Garda Commissioner and I have no direct involvement in the matter. The closing date for applications is Tuesday 5 January 2016. I would encourage all reserves who satisfy the eligibility criteria to apply through the PAS website at .