Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 July 2015
161. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the timeframe for which the current panel will remain in place after the most recent recruitment competition into the Garda Síochána; when it is envisaged the next competition will take place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28161/15]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that I have received sanction from the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for two further intakes of 125 Garda recruits later this year. The Public Appointments Service (PAS) is managing the recruitment process for the Garda Commissioner and I have no direct involvement in the matter.
The position in relation to the current competition is as follows: Following receipt of 24,000 applications, PAS invited candidates to complete Stage 1 of the competition which consisted of an assessment questionnaire and reasoning tests which were undertaken on-line. I understand that around 18,000 candidates completed this stage and fewer than 13,000 candidates reached a satisfactory standard. Those who did achieve a satisfactory standard were placed in three bands determined by their overall scores. 5,000 candidates (i.e. those in Band 1) were invited to take a subsequent series of tests and of that number, just over 3,000 were successful.
I understand that PAS is continuing to progress Band 1 through the selection process and interviewing for that group will conclude in August. The names of candidates who qualify through these initial rounds will be forwarded to the Garda Commissioner for further consideration.
Depending on the Commissioner's recruitment requirements, PAS will then move to those in Band 2 and possibly Band 3, if necessary.
The timing of the next recruitment competition will depend on the extent to which the current bands of candidates satisfy Garda student intake requirements.
