By Michael O’Toole

Copyright irishmirror

Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan has announced another Garda recruitment campaign – the second this year.

Some 6,700 people applied to join the force when the last campaign ran for three weeks in February and senior officers believe a similar number of people will try in the upcoming scheme, which opens on Thursday.

That campaign will also run for three weeks, until October 9.

Some 423 men and women have already been attested as members of the force this year and another 148 have recently started their training programme at the Garda College in Templemore, Co Tipperary. The force now stands at around 14,400 members.

Speaking at the National Ploughing Championships in Co Offaly on Tuesday, Minister O’Callaghan said he believed the latest campaign was evidence of momentum in the Garda recruitment plan – in which the government wants 5,000 new officers in its five year term.

He said: “My first priority is to get more Gardaí on our streets, so communities are safe and feel safe. The Programme for Government commits to recruiting at least 5,000 Gardai in the coming five years.

“The launch of a second recruitment campaign this year reflects that commitment. It also shows the Government’s plan is working as we are seeing more Gardaí come through the Garda College and onto our streets.

“There was significant interest in February’s campaign from a very diverse range of candidates. This is a testament to the enduring appeal of a career with An Garda Síochána.

“By running two campaigns this year the pipeline of new Gardaí remains strong.”

Trainees have already had a pay hike to €354 per week while they are in Templemore – and the basic salary is now €38,694, before allowances for working shifts.

The maximum joining age has been raised to 49, but the minister said new measures will be considered to further boost Garda recruitment – and he would work with new Commissioner Justin Kelly to ensure more trainees get into the force.

The minister said: “Nothing is off the table when it comes to recruitment, and I look forward to working with Commissioner Kelly to examine any ways we can build on this momentum.

“Significant steps have already been taken to boost recruitment such as extending the maximum age of entry to 50 and increasing the weekly training allowance to €354.

“We have already seen the positive effects of these measures in the number of applicants and recruits entering the college.

And Commissioner Kelly said being a garda would test you – but it was a job worth doing.

He said: “As an organisation we are growing, but we recognise that to meet the demands of a growing and diverse society we need to build in greater resilience. Our current strength stands at approximately 14,400 which will be further bolstered by another cohort of trainees due to graduate in November.

“This campaign aims to build on the progress made to date. What we have consistently seen through the recruitment process is that An Garda Síochána is still proving an attractive career choice to many.

“Speaking from my own experience, I believe strongly that very few other jobs provide the same opportunities or variety in terms of a career. The work does test you at times, but it is honourable work, it is work with real purpose and meaning.

“It is a job that contributes to society and the work has a lasting impact upon people. It is true to say it is a tough job, sometimes dangerous, and challenging, but ultimately it is rewarding and certainly a job worth doing.”

Anyone who is interested in applying for the force can visit publicjobs.ie for more information.

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