Garda Reserve attracts 14 applications per post

AN average of 14 people have applied for each of the Garda Reserve jobs on offer this year.

A total of 3,729 new applications have been received by the Public Appointments Service (PAS) up to the end of October, but only 270 of the part-time officers are being recruited in 2008.

The Government hopes the reserve will eventually reach 1,500, or 10% of the total garda force, which currently stands at 14,267.

The garda commissioner’s 2008 policing plan has set a target of recruiting 270 of the part-time officers this year.

Justice Minister Dermot Ahern said: “As the Garda Reserve depends on volunteers who undertake their training and other duties during their free time, it is difficult to predict how many people will commence training in any period. However the garda commissioner is making every effort to reach the recruitment target.”

Former justice minister Michael McDowell set up the reserve in 2006 despite vehement opposition from garda representative bodies and opposition parties.

Mr Ahern said the establishment of the Garda Reserve is one of the most progressive innovations in policing in Ireland in recent years.

“It has strengthened the links between the Garda Síochána and local communities and is a source of local support and knowledge. Full-time and reserve members are working well together and I believe that the positive impacts made since the establishment of the reserve in late 2006 bode well for the future of the force,” the minister said.

The PAS is holding interviews with candidates at locations around the country. An ongoing public awareness radio and TV campaign is also underway at both national and local levels.

* www.garda.ie/reserve. html

* www.publicjobs.ie