asked the Minister for Justice the reason a candidate (details supplied for the Garda Síochána was rejected on medical grounds despite the fact that he has a specialist's report deeming him fit for duties.
Written Answers. - Garda Recruitment.
85.
Limerick East): In accordance with the Garda Síochána (Appointments) Regulations, a candidate cannot be appointed to the force unless the Garda surgeon — or a medical practitioner nominated by the Minister where it is impracticable for the surgeon to examine candidates within a reasonable time — certifies that he is in good health, of sound constitution and fitted physically to perform the duties of a member of the force.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the person concerned was medically examined by the surgeon on two occasions and the surgeon was unable to certify that the candidate was of the required medical standard. The candidate subsequently submitted a medical report and the matter was reviewed by the surgeon but again he was unable to certify that the candidate was of the required medical standard.
I am also informed by the Garda authorities that, if the candidate's condition is treated successfully, he would not be precluded on medical grounds for applying for any future competition for entry to the force for which he is otherwise eligible.
86.
asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware that approximately 2,000 men and 500 women were put on a waiting list to be later called to Templemore Garda Training Depot and that a number of these people gave up jobs to join the Garda and they were informed that they would be called in due course, and the action, if any, he intends taking in this matter urgently.
Limerick East): The number of candidates who qualified at the competitive interview in the 1983 Garda Síochána recruitment competition was 1,944 men and 987 women. The interview was conducted by the Civil Service Commission who placed the candidates in order of merit, notified each candidate of his-her placing and informed each one that the Garda Commissioner would write to those candidates who came into the running for appointment.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that a total of 1,195 men and 93 women have todate been called for medical examination and, where appropriate, oral Irish tests. The numbers appointed to date are 774 men and 50 women, and further groups of recruits are due to be appointed in August and October next.
I am also informed by the Garda authorities that any candidate who has not been called for medical examination and who inquired as to his-her prospects of a call-up was informed that the Commissioner was not in a position to indicate the likely number of appointments to the force from the current list or if the candidate was likely to come into the reckoning for a call for medical examination, but that he-she would be informed of developments in that area as soon as possible.
A decision has not yet been taken as to precisely how many of those who qualified in 1983 will be offered appointments. This will depend on factors such as the number of vacancies arising and also, of course, on the number of candidates who pass the medical examination and the number who accept an offer of appointment. I might add that I would consider it to be imprudent for any person who qualified to relinquish other employment until he-she has been offered appointment.