Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 February 2010
262 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason for the delay in recruiting new gardaí who have passed the relevant examinations and interviews; when the next recruitment will take place; the number of gardaí that will be recruited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5493/10]
View answerI am informed by the Garda authorities that following selection by the Public Appointments Service each applicant must undergo a Physical Competency Test, a Medical Examination and also Character Vetting. Applicants successful at all three stages will remain on a panel and are available to be offered positions as Garda Trainees in a future intake.
While the moratorium on recruitment and promotion in the Public Service applies to the Garda Síochána, I am keeping under continuing review the case for derogations from this and I am in ongoing discussion on the issue with my colleague the Minister for Finance. The Deputy may be aware that I recently secured a derogation to permit a significant number of promotions in the Garda Síochána which will enable key vacancies to be filled across all ranks.
