Almost one-sixth of aspiring gardaí fail fitness test

Some 55 of 315 garda recruit candidates fail the fitness test.

The Garda fitness test has been singled out as a drag on recruitment because almost one in six candidates fails it.

Figures released to Fianna Fáil justice spokesperson Jim O'Callaghan show that 55 of 315 garda recruit candidates fails the test, which consists of a shuttle run (bleep test), timed sit-ups, untimed push-ups, an obstacle course, and a push-pull machine. Both elements must be passed in order to qualify for entry and the test is graduated for age and gender.