asked the Minister for Justice if the entrance examination to the Garda Síochána is still in force; if this constitutes the entrance qualification for membership to the Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
42.
Written Answers. - Garda Síochána Entry Competition.
40.
asked the Minister for Justice if he will make a statement on the educational qualifications required for admission to the Garda Síochána and the avenues which are open for admission to a person who did not sit the leaving certificate.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 40 and 42 together.
The special examination which was formerly held for entry to the Garda Síochána is being discontinued.
As I have indicated in reply to previous parliamentary questions, new qualification requirements and procedures are being introduced for the next Garda recruitment competition. To be eligible to compete under the new system, candidates will be required to have achieved an educational standard of at least Grade D in five subjects in the Leaving Certificate, or an equivalent examination, including Irish, English and Mathematics. Candidates will also have to undergo an intelligence test and final selection will be by means of a competitive interview.
41.
asked the Minister for Justice the present position regarding the application by a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24 to join the Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement regarding the qualifications of the person concerned.
As I have already indicated in reply to similar parliamentary questions, my Department are not directly involved in the holding of competitions for entry to the Garda Síochána or the calling up of applicants. I am unable, therefore, to undertake to give information by way of reply to parliamentary questions in relation to the position of individual applicants.