Minister Shatter announces the commencement of Garda recruitment

The Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence, Alan Shatter TD, today announced the opening of a recruitment campaign for new recruits to An Garda Síochána.

The last recruits entered the Garda College in Templemore in May 2009, after which the moratorium was put in place. Welcoming the new campaign, Minister Shatter said, “Today is an important day for An Garda Síochána. It marks the formal announcement on www.publicjobs.ie of the commencement of the recruitment process for new members of An Garda Síochána. It is in the public interest and in the interest of the force itself that new members are recruited to bring their personal skills and insights and a fresh dynamic to the force in the context of it undertaking its very important duties.

“Despite the reduction in Garda force numbers resulting from the financial difficulties of the State, it is important that I acknowledge that An Garda Síochána have had a very successful two years in which there has been a reduction in crime across a broad range of areas. Their specialised and targeted approach to a variety of forms of crime has resulted in significant arrests and the Gardaí securing significant convictions in our Courts of those engaged in serious crime and I want to congratulate all members of the force for what they have achieved through their hard work, dedication and expertise.”

It is expected that the new recruits will enter the Garda college mid-2014, when they will embark on a progressive new training course. Commenting on the course, Minister Shatter said, “A new course has been developed which will reflect the current policing environment and will better prepare Garda members for the reality of life on our streets. It will also allow for the attestation of members after 32 weeks, at which time they will be assigned to Garda stations with full policing powers.”

Following the first 32 weeks tuition, there will be a further 72 weeks of on the job experiential learning. On conclusion of the two years training, the Garda member will be awarded a BA in Applied Policing.

Minister Shatter concluded, “I would strongly encourage all those interested in joining the Garda force to access the website of the Public Appointments Service and submit their application at www.publicjobs.ie”