Jim O'Callaghan
Question:992. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the time it takes for suitability background checks on Garda recruits to be completed. [56296/23]
View answerWednesday, 17 January 2024
Questions (992)
Written answers
As the Deputy will be aware, under Section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended) the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business, including the recruitment and training of Garda members and staff. As Minister I have no role in the Garda recruitment process.
I have been advised by the Garda authorities that the time it takes to complete suitability checks for applicants to An Garda Síochána varies depending on the individual candidate and is performed on a case by case basis.
The suitability checks are completed as quickly as possible and candidates are told immediately once all checks have been completed. Avenues to expedite this process have been utilised to deliver accelerated recruitment, and to get suitability checks for candidates completed as soon as possible.