Vol. 456 No. 3
27 Mr. Clohessy asked the Minister for Justice the plans, if any, she has to introduce provisions which will allow a mature person seeking a career in the Garda Síochána to undergo an intelligence test instead of being required to hold the standard educational qualification of the Leaving Certificate to progress further in the selection process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13809/95]
Recruitment to the Garda Síochána is governed by the Garda Síochána (Admissions and Appointment) Regulation, 1987. Regulation 5 (D) of these regulations prohibit the Commissioner from admitting as a trainee garda, a person unless s/he has obtained a grade not lower than D in at least five subjects, (including English, Irish and mathematics), in the leaving certificate examination of the Department of Education or in another examination which in the opinion of the Minister is of a standard not lower than the standard of that examination. These regulations gave effect to the recommendations made by a Garda Training Committee set up in January 1985 under the chairmanship of Dr. Thomas Walsh.
The Commissioner is of the view that this is the minimum acceptable standard of education for entry, having regard to the varied, complex and intricate course of studies required to be undertaken by trainee gardaí and to the diverse nature of their duties as operational police officers.
