Major increase in Garda applications as age limit raised

Nearly 11,000 applications have been received for 2,000 newly-created Garda posts, a substantial increase on previous recruitingcampaigns, it has been revealed.

The influx of applications has been attributed to a rise in theupper age limit from 28 to 35 years and the heightened publicitysurrounding the announcement about the new jobs by the Minister forJustice, Mr McDowell.

Mr Martin Burke, spokesman for the Public Appointments Service,which recruits on behalf of the civil service, said when thedeadline closed last Friday, they had received between 10,500 and11,000 applications.

"Our view is that it's a very healthy response to new Garda jobsand it gives An Garda Siochana very good scope to choose strongcandidates."

This was an increase on past campaigns. The last for Gardarecruits was two years ago and there were under 6,000 applicants sothis time there was a substantial rise.

Mr Burke said one difference about this campaign was thepublicity surrounding it because of the Government commitment anddebate about it.

"So this time there was certainly heightened awareness," headded.

The raising of the age limit could also have had an effect andattracted a more mature recruit who, for instance, might havedecided on a career change, Mr Burke said.

This was echoed by a Garda Press Office spokeswoman who said:"The new age limit has had a major effect as there is a broaderscope."

People who had different jobs and experience as well as school-leavers would have applied, she added.

When the Minister announced details of the jobs last October, healso suggested there could be a review of the Irish languagerequirement for immigrants who wished to join.

However, the Irish language requirement remained this time.

Mr Burke said: "Irish is still a required part of thequalifications. I'm not aware of any exceptions this time."

He said it was too early to have any breakdown by category of theapplications. An Garda Siochana would be looking at the applicationsin detail.

A spokesman for Mr P.J. Stone, general secretary of the GardaRepresentative Association, said the figures clearly showed thatdespite unprecedented economic wealth and record remuneration in theprivate sector, the desirability of a career as a police officer inAn Garda Siochana was attractive to a great many people.

"Considering that 2004 will certainly be remembered as one of themost difficult years in the force, it is encouraging to see that AnGarda Siochana is still held in such high esteem," he said.

The majority of the applicants applied by Internet. They willtake aptitude tests next year. A percentage of them will then becalled for interview, followed by medical tests if successful.

Initially, students spend 22 weeks at Templemore College,followed by a period of 24 weeks at selected stations.

The salary for a recruit starts at [euro]22,525.