In line with this Government's commitment to ensuring ongoing seamless recruitment to An Garda Síochána the budget allocation for 2016 will allow the recruitment of 600 new Gardaí in addition to the 550 that will be recruited by the end of this year. The ongoing recruitment of new Gardaí is crucial to the renewal of An Garda Síochána and for the safety of communities throughout the State.
I am advised that as the panel of successful candidates from the last competition is expected to be exhausted early in the New Year, a new competition will need to be held in order to ensure the ongoing recruitment of trainee Gardaí throughout 2016. The competition will be publicly advertised, including on the Public Appointments Service website (www.publicjobs.ie) and will be open to all eligible candidates.