Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 November 2013
309. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if persons had applied to join An Garda Síochána before the moratorium on recruitment and who had no decision taken on their previous applications will automatically be considered as part of any future recruitment campaign; if he will indicate when it is hoped to start recruiting to the Garda again; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47885/13]
View answerIn view of the fact that the existing Garda recruitment panel was approximately five years old, the Commissioner determined, with my consent, that the maximum number of recruits were recruited from that panel. People not called from that panel may, of course, re-apply to join the Garda Síochána once they meet the eligibility criteria. I recently announced that a recruitment competition for An Garda Síochána is to commence shortly and it is expected that the first batch of new recruits will enter the Garda college in mid-2014. There are a number of procedural issues that need to be finalised prior to the formal commencement of that competition and these are expected to conclude in the coming weeks. A further announcement will be issued as soon as recruitment starts, both on the Public Appointments Service website and directly to those who have registered an expression of interest in joining the Garda Síochána.
