asked the Minister for Justice if all recruits for the past 24 months to the Garda Síochána were taken on strictly on a basis of placing on the recruitment list, for example, will he assure the House that a person placed 1200th on the list would not be recruited ahead of a person placed 400th; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Garda Síochána Recruitment.
681.
(Limerick East): Candidates for an Garda Síochána who qualify at the competitive interview conducted by the Civil Service Commissioners are placed in order of merit by the commissioners and are considered for appointment in that order. The next stage in the recruitment procedure is the medical examination and, where appropriate, oral Irish testing of those candidates who obtain sufficiently high places at the competitive interview to be considered for appointment. In addition, under the terms of the Garda Síochána (Appointments) Regulations, the Garda Commissioner must be satisfied as to a candidate's general suitability for appointment to the Force.
Candidates who are successful at the medical examination and, where appropriate, oral Irish test, and who are otherwise suitable, are offered appointment in order of merit.
Candidates who do not meet the medical requirements are, in general, given an opportunity to apply to undergo a further medical examination within 12 months. Accordingly, it could happen that a candidate placed, say, 50th in the order of merit would be appointed following a second medical examination at a later stage than a candidate who obtained, say, 100th place in the order of merit and who was successful at his first medical examination. It could also happen on rare occasions that the timing of a candidate's appointment could be affected by considerations relating to his general suitability or that a candidate's call-up for medical etc. could be deferred at his own request.