National: Surge in number of older people applying to become Gardaí in latest recruitment drive

A surprising number of people across Ireland have submitted applications to join An Garda Síochána. 

Six thousand three hundred people have reportedly applied in the latest recruitment campaign, which was the first ever to invite applications from people up to 50 years of age. 

Significantly, approximately 2,300 (or 37%) of applicants are aged between 35-49 years old. 

Six thousand three hundred people have reportedly applied in the latest recruitment campaign, which was the first ever to invite applications from people up to 50 years of age. 

The level of interest is notable as it has been less than a year since An Garda Síochána last recruited, when roughly 5,000 people submitted applications. 

The Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee, called it "a significant increase". 

She said, "I am glad to see that so many people want to join An Garda Síochána and I am particularly pleased at the strong response from people aged between 35 and 50. Well over a third of the applications were in that age group. 

"I have always said that nothing is off the table when it comes to recruitment. We have increased the training allowance and increased the age of entry from 35 to 50. I am determined that An Garda Síochána grows to 15,000 members and beyond.

"So to all those who have applied, good luck with the interviews and assessments, and all the very best on your path to a job well worth doing

Applicants will now enter a competitive selection process involving a number of stages including online aptitude tests (Stage 1), a competency based interview (Stage 2), and a fitness test (Stage 3). 

Approximately 13,800 Gardaí are currently on active duty across Ireland.