M. J. Nolan
Question:410 Mr. Nolan asked the Minister for Justice when it is proposed to recruit gardaí to the Garda Síochána. [1195/96]
Written Answers. - Garda Recruitment.
A competition was advertised by the Civil Service Commission in April 1994 for the recruitment of gardaí during the period 1995 to 1997. Over 15,000 applications were received, of which 11,000 met the educational requirements. These underwent a written test conducted by the Civil Service Commission, of which 6,270 reached the minimum standard, and were placed into 21 groups of approximately 300. Up to and including group eight have been interviewed at the present time. The current indications are that there will be sufficiently qualified applicants from these eight groups to fill the recruitment quota.
It is not possible to say at this stage when the next recruitment competition to the Garda Síochána will be held, but it is unlikely to take place until the latter part of 1997.