Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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335. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons approved for recruitment under the Garda recruitment competition which commenced at the end of 2018; the number successfully recruited as part of that campaign; the number that passed their interviews and tests and are waiting for Garda clearance or other inquiries before they are offered a position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7389/20]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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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. The final stages of the recruitment process in which candidates are vetted, complete a physical competency test and a medical examination, are managed by the Commissioner. As Minister, I have no direct involvement in the matter.

The following table, furnished to me by An Garda Síochána, sets out the information requested by the Deputy in relation to the Garda recruitment competition 2018.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that, subject to final approval by An Garda Síochána, successful applicants from previous campaigns are considered first for intakes into the Garda College, in accordance with the candidate's place on the Order of Merit.

I am further informed that there is no set time frame for offers to be made 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.