Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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78. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if she is aware of the practice of some persons for Garda recruitment attending preparation courses in advance of sitting aptitude tests; her views on whether these courses are necessary for all persons or if they place those who cannot take them for financial reasons at a disadvantage in the competitive recruitment process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24224/16]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will be aware that competitions for recruitment to An Garda Síochána as a Garda trainee are run by the Public Appointments Service (PAS) on behalf of the Garda Commissioner.

I am informed by the Garda Authorities that the information booklet for applicants provided by PAS makes it clear that familiarisation material will be available in advance of each assessment stage; that the questionnaire, tests, exercises and interview require no other special preparation; and that past papers are not available. I am further informed that the information booklet also clearly states that neither PAS nor An Garda Síochána have a function or involvement in the provision of, and do not endorse, any preparation courses relating to the selection process for the role of Garda trainee.