asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he intends recruiting gardaí at ranks other than entrance level. [2997/03]
Written Answers. - Garda Recruitment.
28.
Entrance to the Garda Síochána is currently governed by the Garda Síochána (Admissions and Appointments) Regulations 1988-2001. There is no provision in the said regulations to recruit gardaí at ranks other than as trainees.
The agreement between the Irish Government and the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland on the implementation of the Patten report recommendations on co-operation between the Garda Síochána and the Police Service of Northern Ireland contains reciprocal provisions for lateral entry, under which members of each police service would be eligible to apply for certain posts in the other police service.
Recently I received Government approval for the early drafting of the Garda Síochána (Police Co-operation) Bill 2003, to allow, inter alia, for the implementation of the lateral entry provision of the above intergovernmental agreement. This legislation will, when enacted, allow members of PSNI to compete for certain positions in the Garda Síochána above entry level.
Question No. 29 answered with Question No. 19.