Garda trainee recruitment drive gets under way, with applications closing in three weeks

APPLICATIONS FOR THE latest garda recruitment competition opened today, with prospective trainees given just over three weeks to apply before the deadline closes.

The campaign, launched by Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan and Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly, is backed by a €345,000 advertising push under the slogan “It’s a Job Worth Doing”.

Gardaí said the campaign aims to highlight the range of careers available within the force, including front-line policing, organised crime investigations, community policing, the Garda Dog Unit and the Garda Band.

Gardaí are also encouraging applicants with musical experience to apply, as the Garda Band “is open to new members”.

Candidates will be able to express interest in auditioning for the Garda Band after completing training and probation.

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Applicants accepted into the training programme will receive €354 per week during the 36-week course at the Garda College, where accommodation and meals are provided.

Newly attested gardaí now start on a salary of €39,194, which rises incrementally.

The recruitment campaign also includes a push to attract candidates from more diverse backgrounds and older applicants, following changes in 2024 which increased the upper age limit for recruits from 35 to 50 after a Labour Court ruling found the previous cap discriminatory.

According to garda figures, more than 2,700 trainees have entered the Garda College since recruitment resumed in late 2022, while almost 2,000 probationer gardaí have since attested.

The force said recruit classes are now entering the Garda College roughly every three months.

Applications are being handled through publicjobs.ie
and close at 3pm on Wednesday 3 June.

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