Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 7 Nov 2000

Vol. 525 No. 2

Written Answers. - Garda Recruitment.

Dick Spring

Question:

796 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason the present recruitment of applicants to the Garda Síochána did not await the outcome of the review of height requirement for entry to the Garda Síochána, as announced by him on 14 June 2000. [24369/00]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue):

The Programme for Government contains a commitment to increase the strength of the Garda Síochána to 12,000 by the end of 2002. In order to achieve this objective, it was necessary to advertise the new competition in October with a view to holding the competition for selection of Garda trainees in December. There is a lengthy time gap between the commencement of a competition and the actual intake of recruits due to the time required for the processing of applications, the holding of tests and interviews, medical examinations, security clearance etc.

The Garda Síochána physical competence test review group is currently looking at the question of pre-entry physical competence tests for applicants wishing to join the Garda Síochána and the validity of the present height requirements. The review group is due to report before the end of the year and I will carefully consider whatever recommendations are contained in their report.

In relation to the present height requirements, any recommendation for change in this regard would, if acted upon, require the amendment of the existing Regulations – the Garda Síochána (Admissions and Appointments) Regulations, 1988.

I should also say that experience in other countries which have introduced a physical competence test indicates that a period of validation of the proposed test is required before its final adoption. This is especially important in terms of assessing the impact of the test in the context of gender.