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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 7 Apr 1943

Vol. 89 No. 13

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Gárda Recruitment.

asked the Minister for Justice if he will state how many candidates for the Gárda Síochána presented themselves for the examination held by the Civil Service Commissioners; how many were successful; of those who were successful how many passed the other tests and were accepted; whether any complaints were received to the effect that the standard of the examination set was too high; and if the Minister will advise the commissioners to set a lower standard for future recruitment; and whether he will say if further recruitment will be opened this year or at any time soon.

Mr. Boland

When it was announced last year that recruiting for the Gárda Síochána would be reopened, 3,305 men applied for appointment. From these the commissioner selected for submission to the Civil Service Commissioners those whose educational and physical qualifications seemed most suitable to the number of 229. The number finally passed by the commissioners and appointed to the force was 71.

It is generally agreed that the standard of the educational examination was too high, but I would like to make it clear that responsibility for this does not rest on the Civil Service Commissioners. The standard was fixed in 1937 at the request of the Gárda authorities, who, I think, aimed rather too high. I am now about to make an Order which will permit of a number of the candidates who were unsuccessful at the examination being called up for appointment if the commissioner is satisfied that they are up to the standard required. The question of fixing a more suitable standard for future examinations is receiving the attention of the commissioner and the Civil Service Commissioners.

I suppose the Department of Education has nothing to do with it?

Mr. Boland

I do not think so.

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