Recruiting campaign aims to increase garda numbers

The Minister for Justice, Michael McDowell, today launched a new recruitment campaign aimed at increasing the number of Garda officers to a record high of 14,000.

Mr McDowell said new nationwide advertisements would raise the strength of An Garda Síochána from the current level of 12,200 members, in line with a commitment in the Agreed Programme for Government.

He said there would be an intake of almost 1,100 recruits in each of the next three years.

“Opposition spokespersons have repeatedly stated that an increase in the force to 14,000 cannot and will not happen,” he said.

“They are wrong. I and the Government are delivering on our commitment to raise recruitment to 14,000 and we are well on target to achieve and exceed that strength.”

Advertisements are to be placed in national newspapers and local radio stations over the coming days, inviting applications to join the force.

The closing date for applications is Friday December 17.

Mr McDowell said the maximum age of entry had been increased from 26 to 35 following a review of the eligibility criteria.

A spokeswoman for the Department of Justice said other entry criteria were also currently being examined.

“The Minister believes that there may be other criteria which would benefit from review so to as far as possible reflect the composition of Irish society,” she said.

“These criteria are currently being reviewed by the Commissioner and will be considered by the Minister in due course.”