An Garda Síochána has announced it has commenced a recruitment competition for new Garda trainees.
The competition, which is open from today until 3pm on Wednesday, March 16th 2022, is seeking to attract candidates from across society and with a wide-variety of skills to join the force.
As of January 2022, there are 14,539 members of An Garda Síochána and the Government wants to increase this number by 800 in 2022.
The competition is being supported by an advertising campaign under the slogan of – The Difference is You.
Garda Commissioner, Drew Harris said: “For 100 years, An Garda Síochána has been keeping the people of Ireland safe and as we begin marking our organisation’s centenary this week it is particularly fitting for us to be able open up recruitment.
“Ireland is changing, and is more diverse and multi-cultural than ever before. We want our police service to fully reflect this important progress and to represent all the communities that we proudly serve. That is why our recruitment drive is focused on encouraging those who may not have previously considered training to become a Garda,” he said.
“We are very keen to break down some of the barriers that may have been deterring people of every ethnicity, minority background, religious identity or none from applying to become a Garda.
“In previous recruitment campaigns, proficiency in two languages was required.
“For this campaign, proficiency will only be required in one language – which can be English or Irish.
“Being more reflective of the society we serve will enhance our ability to provide an effective police service for all people. While we have one of the highest levels of female police officers in Europe, we fully recognise that this is not replicated when it comes to minority communities.
“I am encouraging all those with excellent interpersonal skills or a unique skillset, a strong sense of community and those who are enthusiastic about making a real difference to people’s quality of life, to apply before 3pm Wednesday, March 16th 2022 because the difference is you,” said Commissioner Harris.