Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 May 2023
167. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Justice the number of applications that have been received for the Garda trainee recruitment campaign 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23470/23]
View answer171. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Justice the number of applications that were received for the Garda recruitment campaign 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23625/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 167 and 171 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including all human resource matters and recruitment. As Minister, I have no direct role in such matters.
As the Deputy will also be aware An Garda Síochána launched a new recruitment campaign on 24 March and closed on 14 April 2023.
This year’s campaign, which was shorter in duration than the 2022 campaign attracted 4,973 applicants. While there was some pent up demand last year due to the pause in Garda recruitment due to COVID, this level of interest is in line with 2019, the last pre COVID recruitment campaign, and demonstrates the demand to join AGS is as strong as ever.
The initial stage of the application process for this year’s campaign also differed to the 2022 campaign with all applicants filling out an application in the first instance, rather than just declaring an interest. This gives a clearer picture of how many people are fully committed to applying this year.
I would like to encourage anyone called as part of the 2022 or 2023 competition not to defer but to make sure they’re fully fit and ready to take up the opportunity.
