Callout for new Garda recruits
The Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O’Callaghan, and Garda Commissioner, Justin Kelly, have launched a new recruitment campaign for An Garda Síochána.
The competition opened on Monday and will remain open until Wednesday, June 3 at 3pm. Applications are being managed by publicjobs on behalf of An Garda Síochána and can be submitted via www.publicjobs.ie.
This campaign highlights the breadth of career paths in An Garda Síochána – from front-line policing, to working in the Dog Unit, to participating in Crimecall, or to climbing the ranks and working in senior management. Working in An Garda Síochána offers an active, varied working environment that goes beyond desk-based duties and supports the local community as part of daily work.
MEMBERS OF GARDA BAND NEEDED
A new element in this campaign is that candidates with a musical background are encouraged to apply, as the Garda Band is open to new members. Candidates who indicate their interest on the application will be considered for a future audition for the Garda Síochána Band, following successful completion of Garda training, and the probationary period. The starting salary for a Garda member is now €39,194, rising incrementally. Gardaí work a 12-hour core shift roster with additional allowances and opportunities for overtime.
PAY RATES
Garda trainees get paid while earning a degree and having the cost of accommodation and meals covered. Trainees receive €354 per week during the 36-week programme at the Garda College, where accommodation and meals are provided free of charge. Graduates earn a Level 7 Bachelor of Arts in Applied Policing, accredited by the University of Limerick. Recent recruitment trends highlight growing diversity and broader age representation; at the latest attestation there were 42 members who were over 30 years of age, and a number of members who were born outside Ireland, including in India, Spain, Poland and the United States.
Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan said: "I very much welcome the launch of the latest Garda recruitment campaign. Recruitment into An Garda Síochána is continuing apace. 201 trainees entered the Garda Training college last week which is the fourth consecutive intake of over 200 trainees. This competition will ensure that there is a strong pipeline of new recruits which will continue to increase the size of the Garda organisation.
"A career in An Garda Síochána is demanding, but it is particularly rewarding as their work is varied, and connects Gardaí to the communities they serve. I am committed to supporting Gardaí, both through the provision of resources and legislative provisions, to ensure that Gardaí on the frontline have the skills and equipment they need.
"On entering An Garda Síochána you will be joining an organisation which is over 100 years old and has a proud tradition of community-focused policing. Becoming a Garda is an opportunity to continue that tradition. You will ensure that An Garda Síochána continues to meet the ever-evolving demands of policing and national security. I would encourage everyone who is interested to consider that opportunity."
Garda Commissioner, Justin Kelly, added: "Being a Garda is a tough job, but I know from personal experience how rewarding it can be. There are not many jobs where you can make a positive difference to people and communities every day. It can also offer career opportunities in varied and interesting roles. As a Garda you can make a significant contribution to public safety through a variety of roles, including community policing, investigating domestic abuse, and tackling organised crime. I want to encourage people from all backgrounds to join An Garda Síochána. It is important that we represent the communities we serve. Being a Garda is definitely a job worth doing.”
HOW TO APPLY
Interested applicants will have just over three weeks to apply, with the competition closing on Wednesday, June 3, at 3pm. Visit www.publicjobs.ie/en/garda-traineefor more information and to submit your application. You can also find additional resources on the garda website, www.garda.ie/recruitment/
REASONS FOR JOINING
Those interested in pursuing a career with An Garda Síochána should consider the below additional benefits to the basic salary:
- The Foundation Training Programme that all trainees undergo incorporates a Level 7 Bachelor of Arts Degree in Applied Policing, accredited by the University of Limerick
- Garda Trainees will receive an allowance of €354 per week for the 36 weeks of training
- Accommodation and food is provided while resident in the Garda College from Sunday to Friday
- Starting salary is €39,194 and this rises incrementally
- Garda Trainees will be assigned to work the core shift roster (12 hours) which attracts additional allowances
- Gardaí may have the opportunity to work on overtime which is paid at a rate of time and a half, unless working on a Sunday/public holiday which is paid at double time
- The Fast Accrual (Uniformed) Members Pension Scheme allows members to build up pension benefits at a higher rate each year
- Flexible working options available throughout career
- Access to the Doctors of Choice GP scheme (GP consultation fee is covered by An Garda Síochána)
- Access to the Medical Aid Scheme
- Access to numerous Garda societies and clubs
- Access to Garda Credit Unions.