Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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235. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding a person (details supplied) who was interviewed in January 2018 for appointment as a member of An Garda Síochána and has not been admitted to the force to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43017/19]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware the recruitment to An Garda Síochána is governed by the Garda Síochána (Admissions and Appointments) Regulations 2013. The Public Appointments Service (PAS), on behalf of the Garda Commissioner, manages the initial recruitment stages for selection of Garda Trainees with the final stages of the recruitment process in which candidates are vetted, complete a physical competency test and a medical examination, managed by the Commissioner. As Minister, I have no direct involvement in the matter.

The Deputy may find it helpful to be aware that An Garda Síochána has held six recruitment campaigns since December 2013, including the most recent recruitment campaign, which closed in April. I am informed by An Garda Síochána that there are approximately 46 applicants who are still being processed from the recruitment campaigns referenced by the Deputy.

Subject to final approval by An Garda Síochána, successful applicants from these campaigns are considered first for intakes into the Garda College, in accordance with the candidate's place on the Order of Merit. There is no set time frame for offers to applicants as this is dependent on their files being fully completed and the intake dates into the Garda College. All applicants remain on the panel until such time as they are offered a place in the Garda College, with the exception of those who are deemed unsuitable, fail the Medical or Physical Competence Test (PCT) or withdraw from the competition.

I would advise any candidate for a position as a Garda trainee to contact the PAS or the Garda Appointments Office, depending on the relevant stage of the application process, if they have any queries in relation to their application.