Over 6,700 applications to Garda Trainee Recruitment Competition

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has said he is "really pleased" with the level of interest in joining An Garda Síochána, with over 6,700 applications to the latest Garda Trainee Recruitment Competition.

This latest Garda recruitment competition, which was operated by publicjobs on behalf of An Garda Síochána, closed last Thursday 27 February. The campaign promoting the competition was live across television, national and local print and radio, online, social media, outdoor and cinema for three weeks.

32% of applicants are female, 42% of applicants are aged 30 and over, and 23% of those who stated their background have detailed an ethnic background other than white Irish.

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said: "We are really pleased with the level of interest in joining An Garda Síochána, particularly in the current market. Applicants are from a diverse range of backgrounds and this will ultimately ensure An Garda Síochána represents the population it is serving. An Garda Síochána is a very rewarding career and the number of applications confirms what we’ve been saying throughout the campaign – it’s a job worth doing. We are looking forward to welcoming our new Garda Trainees on board and supporting them in their career to keep people safe.”

Applicants will now enter into a competitive selection process involving a number of stages. Stage 1 is comprised of online verbal and numerical reasoning tests, an assessment questionnaire and written exercise. Stage 2 is a competency-based interview and Stage 3 is comprised of eligibility checks including the fitness test, medical and substance misuse (controlled drug) testing and vetting.

It is expected that the first of those from this competition who make it through the selection process, will begin in the Garda College in Templemore at the end of the year.