Garda Recruitment.

Thursday, 2 February 2006

Ceisteanna (76)

Michael D. Higgins

Ceist:

72 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of non-nationals who applied to join the Garda Síochána in the recent recruitment drive; the number whose applications were successful and the countries of origin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3501/06]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

The Public Appointments Service, PAS, is responsible for the administration of the application process as well as stage 1, aptitude testing, and stage 2, interview, of the Garda recruitment process. Information is not compiled on the nationality of persons who apply to join the Garda Síochána.

The PAS conducts two voluntary equality monitoring surveys, one at the application stage and a second at stage 1, aptitude test. Completion of those surveys is voluntary and is not linked in any way with the actual application form.

Of a total of 8,462 applicants, 6,890 of those, i.e. 81%, completed the survey at the application stage. The PAS has compiled statistical reports of the profile of applicants based on the information provided by those who completed the voluntary surveys. This is based on the described "ethnic category" of applicants. Data are not recorded based on country of origin.

The PAS has advised that, of the 6,890 applicants who completed the survey at application stage, 1,310 applicants indicated that they were in an ethnic category other than "white Irish" as set out in the following table:

Ethnic Category	No. who applied and completed equality monitoring survey
White — other	348
Black — African	124
Black — other	5
Asian — Chinese	602
Asian — other	153
Other	78
Total	1,310

The equivalent breakdown of applicants based on the results of the second PAS survey of applicants who went on to attend the Stage 1 aptitude tests is as set out in the table below:

Ethnic category	No. who sat test
White — other	146
Black — African	45
Black — other	4
Asian — Chinese	463
Asian — other	76
Other	123
Total	857

This survey at stage 1 is also voluntary but not anonymous. Accordingly, the PAS were able to identify the profile of those who succeeded in the aptitude test, as follows:

Ethnic category	No. who qualified
White — other	57
Black — African	2
Black — other	1
Asian — Chinese	101
Asian — other	10
Other	22
Total	193

The remaining stages of the recruitment from this competition will be completed by the Garda Commissioner in the coming months.

The participation from ethnic minorities in our police force will make a positive and lasting contribution to the ongoing change and modernisation in the Garda Síochána. I look forward to the day when trainees originating from all continents will graduate at the college and go on to achieve career distinction in the Garda Síochána. Planning for the policing service we want to have for this country in 20 years' time should begin now. We must be proactive, progressive and have a vision as to how the Garda Síochána can provide an effective policing service in a more diverse Ireland.