Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 13 Oct 1994

Vol. 445 No. 8

Written Answers. - Garda Recruitment.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

92 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the number of persons who sat the recent Garda entrance examination; the number of places to be filled from the group; when applicants will be informed of the outcome of the examination; when the places are likely to be filled; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1295/94]

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Geoghegan-Quinn)

As part of the crime fighting package which I announced at the end of last year, it is planned to recruit 1,050 additional Gardaí in the period 1995 to 1997. A competition was advertised by the Civil Service Commission in April, 1994.

In early September, 11,089 candidates, who met the educational requirements for the competition, sat a written test organised by the Civil Service Commission. The Commission have confirmed that 6,269 candidates reached the minimum qualifying standard at this test and all candidates were informed of their results by the Commission, by post in the last week. Interviews will commence in late November with a view to having the first group of trainees assigned to the Garda College in Templemore next April.