Garda Recruitment- The Waiting to Apply Room

Geri Boyle · 24-09-2011 9:33am #1

So you're waiting for a new recruitment campaign...?

This thread is for discussion, support and advice on the moratorium.

colmdel · 03-10-2011 4:44pm

Hi lads just starting this thread for those of us waiting to apply. Share what you know with the people in the exact same boat as you!

Chusko · 03-10-2011 5:15pm

Thanks for starting this thread,great to have a place dedicated solely to those of us waiting to apply whereas 'waiting room' is for those who have passed the necessary stages,fair play Colmdel.
How are you finding the wait?Its an opportunity to upskill,every cloud has a silver lining and all that!

colmdel · 04-10-2011 11:35am

Chusko wrote: »

Thanks for starting this thread,great to have a place dedicated solely to those of us waiting to apply whereas 'waiting room' is for those who have passed the necessary stages,fair play Colmdel.
How are you finding the wait?Its an opportunity to upskill,every cloud has a silver lining and all that!

Starting to take its toll at this stage:( already after spending 4yrs in college so im gonna take a break might take up a small first aid course to add to the cv. other than that not much I can do is wait impatiently like everyone else:mad:. How about you Chusko?

eroo · 04-10-2011 2:46pm

No harm to get ECDL under your belt, and if you haven't started driving yet now is the perfect opportunity.

The moratorium is horrible. That is the only way I can describe it. But you have to take the positive side to it.. use it as time to learn and get experience. My sole aim over the period of time until the next campaign is to make myself a better candidate for recruitment. For anyone waiting, and who is serious about a career in policing, you guys should be doing the same!

Chusko · 04-10-2011 3:08pm

colmdel wrote: »

Starting to take its toll at this stage:( already after spending 4yrs in college so im gonna take a break might take up a small first aid course to add to the cv. other than that not much I can do is wait impatiently like everyone else:mad:. How about you Chusko?

Its best to take the moratorium as an opportunity to make yourself a better candidate and doing a first aid course will certainly help.I'm in my late 20's so I don't think I'll have too many opportunities to apply till I reach the age limit.
When recruitment campaigns do start up again I cant imagine them occuring on a regular basis so I've the attitude-if I get in great,if I dont its not the end of the world...no point in anyone putting all their eggs in one basket.
easier said than done but its best to be as positive and productive as we can while we wait

colmdel · 04-10-2011 7:04pm

Thats it lads stay positive and hope for the best!! I have plently of driving licences, im working my way through them with the Reserve Defence Forces. Currently on trucks:D you just cant beat driving around in a big green truck:D Whats an ECDL course?

eroo · 04-10-2011 8:38pm

European Computer Driving License.. certifies that you are proficient in the basics of computer use. Handy thing to have.

colmdel · 05-10-2011 10:17am

eroo wrote: »

European Computer Driving License.. certifies that you are proficient in the basics of computer use. Handy thing to have.

Oh right might aswell have a look into it. Thanks

eroo · 05-10-2011 4:29pm

Do as it could be a future requirement for recruitment campaigns. I found it boring but it is useful in fairness!

Delancey · 06-10-2011 1:03am

No doubt one of the ' older hands ' around here will have a better idea than me but I have heard the qualifications ( in addition to Leaving Certificate of course ) that may be required for future recruitment are :

ECDL

Full Driving Licence ( may be a good idea not to do the test in an automatic )

Life Saving Qualification

First Aid Qualification

To my knowledge a report was done that recommended these be included as requirements for future recruits but it has not been officially announced , that said it would do no harm to have them - in any event these qualifications are , in my opinion , very useful ' life skills ' to have.

Best of luck to all you folks waiting to apply.

Geansai · 06-10-2011 8:28am

Delancey wrote: »

No doubt one of the ' older hands ' around here will have a better idea than me but I have heard the qualifications ( in addition to Leaving Certificate of course ) that may be required for future recruitment are :

ECDL

Full Driving Licence ( may be a good idea not to do the test in an automatic )

Life Saving Qualification

First Aid Qualification

To my knowledge a report was done that recommended these be included as requirements for future recruits but it has not been officially announced , that said it would do no harm to have them - in any event these qualifications are , in my opinion , very useful ' life skills ' to have.

Best of luck to all you folks waiting to apply.

Just to add, that report said "

It is recommended that certification in swimming to an agreed standard with a recognised

qualification is a pre-selection requirement for entry to An Garda Síochána."

What a certificate in swimming means, I'm not sure, but it may not be the lifesaving qualification

Delancey · 06-10-2011 1:56pm

Geansai wrote: »

Just to clarify the report said "

It is recommended that certification in swimming to an agreed standard with a recognised

qualification is a pre-selection requirement for entry to An Garda Síochána."

What a certificate in swimming means, I'm not sure, but it may not be the lifesaving qualification

I stand corrected Geansai thanks , yeah just what a swimming certificate entails is a good question.
One would hope that if these requirements are introduced that they are flagged well in advance of a recruitment campaign kicking off so people have time to get these qualifications.

eroo · 06-10-2011 6:51pm

If anyone is going to do a first aid course, I'd recommend going for Occupational First Aid. It's a bit more expensive and usually 3 days. It's very good and more detailed, so it can only be good to improve your ability in that area!

Galway1987 · 07-10-2011 8:48am

Good to see a seperate thread for this. I've a degree in Public Administration as of last year, pool lifeguard award, 6 years done in the Reserve Defence Forces and am currently in South Korea teaching. I decided to head away for a few years until recruitment opens up again ON A REGULAR BASIS, which I reckon will be in around 3 more years. Any talk of it back home? Nothing I'd like more than returning home in a few years and booking into Templemore

eroo · 07-10-2011 3:45pm

AGS is being told to find ways to cut costs. There's two ways of looking at this; a) They are cutting costs, so an expensive recruitment campaign or reopening Templemore to recruits would be costly. b) By cutting costs they might be rewarded in the next budget with a recruitment campaign next year or year after.

I would lean towards b) as the Defence Forces undertook a major expenditure review, sold off barracks etc, and they have been granted cadet and general recruitment. Fingers crossed the same goes for AGS.

Hill St Blue · 07-10-2011 8:18pm

Just out of curiosity, would anyone have figures for how much a new recruitment campaign costs? (the campaign itself, as run by Public Jobs, as opposed to the actual training of successful recruits by AGS.)
Anyone have any info, likks etc?

tweedledee · 09-10-2011 7:56pm

http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/1009/garda.html

Hmmmmm,,ye might have to wait a little bit longer to get to Templemore,thats a bit of a downer but retirements are "low" at the moment, at the moment!!

eroo · 09-10-2011 10:32pm

Nothing unexpected. There will be no mass exodus as some people have convinced themselves!

colmdel · 09-10-2011 11:51pm

Yep, i wouldnt leave if i was one of them anyway

Chusko · 10-10-2011 10:33am

Retirements are low but wait and see what they will be end of november,I think the 400 is for those who will be retiring this year,any garda who has the intention to leave before feb 2012 wont submit their notice until november.more than 400 will go but how much more is anyone's guess.It doesn't bode well though for a new campaign before 2015 if entrants were brought in from a new campaign before 2015 numbers would probably be over 13,000 come the end of 2014.

eroo · 10-10-2011 3:19pm

http://breakingnews.ie/ireland/govt-to-publish-three-year-plan-for-economy-at-end-of-october-523751.html

Govt will be publishing 3 year economic plan at the end of the month, so this should shed some light on our situation.

senordingdong · 11-10-2011 12:42am

eroo wrote: »

Nothing unexpected. There will be no mass exodus as some people have convinced themselves!

Indeed, I'm sure many Gardaí still have mortgages and/or children.

Delancey · 11-10-2011 1:20am

Someone recently did make the very good point that with the economy in the mess it's in employment opportunities for retired Gardai will be very limited.
All retired Gardai I know or know of took up a new position upon retirement , possibly a case of fewer jobs = fewer retirements ?

shakin · 11-10-2011 4:58am

eroo wrote: »

AGS is being told to find ways to cut costs. There's two ways of looking at this; a) They are cutting costs, so an expensive recruitment campaign or reopening Templemore to recruits would be costly. b) By cutting costs they might be rewarded in the next budget with a recruitment campaign next year or year after.

I would lean towards b) as the Defence Forces undertook a major expenditure review, sold off barracks etc, and they have been granted cadet and general recruitment. Fingers crossed the same goes for AGS.

Cut costs....sell a few assets?

senordingdong · 11-10-2011 7:11am

Delancey wrote: »

Someone recently did make the very good point that with the economy in the mess it's in employment opportunities for retired Gardai will be very limited.
All retired Gardai I know or know of took up a new position upon retirement , possibly a case of fewer jobs = fewer retirements ?

Fewer jobs + same old financial commitments/restraints = fewer retirements.

Chusko · 11-10-2011 11:27am

In 2009,over 800 gardai retired and there was limited job opportunities then.It's all speculation but we'll know for sure come end of November.

http://theirishobserver.blogspot.com/2011/09/garda-promotions-and-retirments.html

eroo · 11-10-2011 4:24pm

Listening to Alan Shatter on the news the other day speaking about the fact the previous Govt agreed to cut numbers without any actual plan, leaves me thinking it will be 2014 before a new campaign. That way he will ensure the numbers go down to 13,000 gradually. This is providing he can clear this with the IMF. I see the EU/ECB/IMF are in town for the next 10 days. I imagine this will visit will shape the Govts 3 year plan, and the outcome for a recruitment campaign.

senordingdong · 11-10-2011 6:00pm

eroo wrote: »

Listening to Alan Shatter on the news the other day speaking about the fact the previous Govt agreed to cut numbers without any actual plan, leaves me thinking it will be 2014 before a new campaign.

It's a convenient excuse for them to spew out.

thekopend · 12-10-2011 12:39am

imo a recruitment campaign is not even on their mind or will be discussed, they are worried about meeting the agreement to cut numbers. it wont even be thought of in the 3 year plan. they will be focused on getting down to 13,000 for 2014. when it comes closer to the number needed they will make a shape towards recruitment, i think an intake will happen late 2012 or 2013 and campaign same time. i can still see at leased half if not more retiring come February, it pays in the long run id say rather than staying on for another 3/4/5 years. this how i see it happening, my opinion on the subject .

DazMarz · 12-10-2011 8:20pm

I'm 23, and my burning ambition is really to join the Gardaí. I'm guessing that I'd probably be at least 26 before the Gardaí do another recruitment drive?

So far this year, I've gotten LASEK surgery done, so I've perfect vision now. I've also gotten my full driving licence. I'm going to try to get back into Tae Kwon Do (I had to quit it due to work committments).

I'm guessing that in the 3 years or so I have to wait, judging from the posts here, that First Aid courses and such wouldn't hurt?

Also, I've got some university experience under my belt. I'm guessing this won't hurt either?

Any advice on other things I could do to add to my C.V. (which is already pretty impressive; not to sound big-headed, but it is) that would be a boon to my chances when the next recruitment comes around?

eroo · 12-10-2011 8:36pm

From my own view point, apply for the Garda Reserve. 1. You will find out if you want a full time career in AGS or not, because the Reserve will show the real side to it all as opposed to blue lights and smiles you get with PR! 2. It is genuine experience IF you are willing to learn. Who would you rather have? A person with a degree in Art or, a Reserve with 2-3 years operational experience with the basics done (i.e. Tetra, ASP, Pepper Spray courses etc)?

The most important thing is to never stop learning imo.

EDIT: Well done on the progress made so far!

Delancey · 12-10-2011 8:47pm

eroo wrote: »

From my own view point, apply for the Garda Reserve. 1. You will find out if you want a full time career in AGS or not, because the Reserve will show the real side to it all as opposed to blue lights and smiles you get with PR! 2. It is genuine experience IF you are willing to learn. Who would you rather have? A person with a degree in Art or, a Reserve with 2-3 years operational experience with the basics done (i.e. Tetra, ASP, Pepper Spray courses etc)?

The most important thing is to never stop learning imo.

EDIT: Well done on the progress made so far!

+ 1 . I have never been able to understand the resistance of some people to joining the Reserve and who otherwise claim to be '' dying '' to get into the Gardai

Shows a good interest in the job and may well count for a lot at interview stage.

thekopend · 12-10-2011 10:00pm

DazMarz wrote: »

Any advice on other things I could do to add to my C.V. (which is already pretty impressive; not to sound big-headed, but it is) that would be a boon to my chances when the next recruitment comes around?

some sort of community work would be valuable. i myself am a leader in the local youth club, iv done a few courses with regard to dealing with children and also drug awareness talks on signs/symptoms and how to detect. its very satisfactory to be involved in. its also gives a good insight and knowledge into the youth of today which is important in the role of a garda i would imagine.

just a bit of reading, cuts are taking affect in a bad way.http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/transport-cuts-may-enforce-private-sponsorship-of-garda-cars-170342.html

just wondering are the reserve still recruiting and for how long more.?

eroo · 13-10-2011 12:08am

They are alright but I can't see it continuing after next year, as funds will be seriously cut back. With full time numbers going down, it will make it easier for the Govt to reach a reserve force 10% the size of full time force.

tweedledee · 13-10-2011 8:29pm

Can't wait to see Garda cars with "Burger King" or "Spar" painted on em.Maybe the gov will get em to deliver pizzas too. These cuts ain't funny any more. Its a scandal that the government wants private business to "sponsor" Garda cars!!!!!!!!!!!!! FFS!!!!!:mad::mad::mad:

senordingdong · 13-10-2011 9:23pm

tweedledee wrote: »

Can't wait to see Garda cars with "Burger King" or "Spar" painted on em.Maybe the gov will get em to deliver pizzas too. These cuts ain't funny any more. Its a scandal that the government wants private business to "sponsor" Garda cars!!!!!!!!!!!!! FFS!!!!!:mad::mad::mad:

Indeed.
But why does the car have to be decommissioned after 300,000km? Surely it would be cheaper to hire a good quality, highly trained mechanic to keep them in working order. Particularly in this economic climate.

I can't believe that they won't hire new Gardaí yet every day I see so many, brand spanking new 2011 registered Garda vehicles.

Delancey · 13-10-2011 10:00pm

senordingdong wrote: »

Indeed.
But why does the car have to be decommissioned after 300,000km? Surely it would be cheaper to hire a good quality, highly trained mechanic to keep them in working order. Particularly in this economic climate.

I can't believe that they won't hire new Gardaí yet every day I see so many, brand spanking new 2011 registered Garda vehicles.

TBH the quality , highly trained mechanic will be working non-stop to keep a car with 300,000 kms on the road , given the mileage/abuse Garda cars suffer such a vehicle would become a garage queen and spend more time in repair than service.

thekopend · 14-10-2011 12:13am

it would not be feasible, the engine at 300,000kms giving its role deffinately has its work done they only last so long, would be well wore by then esp with high revving and all that. nakerd engine pluse other parts goin often = not worth the bother. id say some cars are ready for the scrap even before 300,000kms.
the new cars where essential, sure how could gardai do there job if they dont have adequate vehicles.

eroo · 14-10-2011 3:15pm

senordingdong wrote: »

Indeed.
But why does the car have to be decommissioned after 300,000km? Surely it would be cheaper to hire a good quality, highly trained mechanic to keep them in working order. Particularly in this economic climate.

I can't believe that they won't hire new Gardaí yet every day I see so many, brand spanking new 2011 registered Garda vehicles.

If I'm not mistaken there were only 150 new cars bought and believe me they were badly needed. They have a proper lights system with rear reds, boot lights etc. To try and keep a car with 300,000km on the road would be just plain dangerous, and it would never be out because it would spend most of it's time in the garage!

StreetAngel · 14-10-2011 5:56pm

Good to see another thread set up, fair play! i think there's loads of people reading this for any more info, just a pity that there's nothing much being said by the powers that be at the moment! I'v heard (...i think it was on the radio, i hardly remember) that before the end of the year, there should be a sizeable uptake on retirement as member's wont be risking any further cuts to the lumpsum....maybe there'll be more news as soon as that happens? its so tough waiting when there isnt even the odd rumour circulating anymore!!! :O

eroo · 14-10-2011 8:24pm

Unfortunately there wont be a mass exodus Street Angel. There are quite a lot of Gardai eligble to retire but most probably wont due to children living at home or going to college, mortgage etc

StreetAngel · 14-10-2011 10:40pm

Yeah maybe it's wishful thinking...just hoping that any bit of movement could get things going again....I know it'll be a looonnng process though!

senordingdong · 14-10-2011 11:36pm

I disagree. I see no reason why a car would be good at 299,999 km, but bad at 300,000 km.
Like I said, if a good mechanic was taking care of them.

Didn't the man responsible for maintenance of ministerial cars make a similar point before FG revoked them?

eroo · 15-10-2011 12:04am

senordingdong wrote: »

I disagree. I see no reason why a car would be good at 299,999 km, but bad at 300,000 km.
Like I said, if a good mechanic was taking care of them.

Didn't the man responsible for maintenance of ministerial cars make a similar point before FG revoked them?

The limit is set for health and safety reasons, it doesn't mean the car is extremely dangerous to drive rather it's just reaching the end of it's lifespan. Patrol cars are put through so much wear and tare that you would end up having to buy in parts regurarly for it. I wouldn't want to be in a patrol car with 300,000km+ on a regular basis!

EDIT: We are going a fair bit off topic so I'm going to leave that issue alone!

Back on topic, we should have an idea of the Govt's intentions at the end of the month with their 3 year plan.

spartacus 109 · 01-11-2011 1:24pm

Hi lads, I'm 19 left Ireland in August to go looking for work abroad, my ambition has always been to be a member of AGS to serve my country and the like so obviously I'm hoping to come back at some point, what I'm wondering is would anyone have an estimate of how long the moratorium is going to last? Obviously there is no way to know for sure but many people have told me that I could be 24 or 25 by the time they start recruiting again is there any truth to this in ye're opinion?

Thanks.

P.O.S · 01-11-2011 5:09pm

Spartacus,I'll try to answer your query as best I can.The more gardai that hand in their notice before end of this month the better for those of us with aspirations to join the force.My uncle is an Inspector and it is his belief that the bulk of gardai over 50 will retire,he himself cant as he's not 50 for another few years.He told me that once he turns 50 he's retiring,his work load is increasing and pay decreasing.He enquired amongst colleagues when there may be new campaign,some said 2014 others 2016..bottom line no-one knows.I told him that it was my opinion that there would be a campaign in 2014 because at that point it would be six/seven years since last campaign but as he said they aren't going to have a campaign just for the sake of having one.

AFAIK during acclerated recruitment 7000 gardai were recruited- my uncle said he's not sure but he reckons 1000-1200 were recruited in the ten years prior to accelerated recruitment which only averages 100-120 a year.Whenever we do have a recruitment campaign I wonder how long it will to the next one after that,hope your travels are going well
On the plus side,there will definetly be a campaign before you turn 35!

spartacus 109 · 02-11-2011 1:19am

Thanks very much for the info P.O.S I suppose all we can do is hope that things start improving a bit.. I also have one more question is there any courses or such that I could do that would stand to me when I eventually do get to apply?
Thanks.

P.O.S · 02-11-2011 11:27am

spartacus 109 wrote: »

Thanks very much for the info P.O.S I suppose all we can do is hope that things start improving a bit.. I also have one more question is there any courses or such that I could do that would stand to me when I eventually do get to apply?
Thanks.

Have a look at applying to AGS section,it will answer alot of your questions.You could practise aptitude tests but the type of questions they ask might change whenever a new campaign starts..

Beffy · 02-11-2011 4:47pm

I must say I feel for all the people waiting patiently with their lives on hold somewhat waiting for recruitment to start up again. Put the head down, train up in courses that would give you an edge, get involved in the community & think about joining the Garda reserve. That should give you the best chance when recruitment comes around again. I wouldn't worry too much about the age. I joined when I was 26, I was worried i'd be the oldest one there. Not a hope! Plenty of 35 year olds to keep me from feeling old.

WilcoOut · 05-11-2011 1:57am

could be a long long time before a recruitment campaign starts up

its costly

even processing those in waiting will be costly

in my opinion, a much cheaper option available to the dept of justice is to promote reserve gardai and put em through the college

the least as of us can do is upskill and make sure we tick all the boxes that the gardai require

licence, ecdl, first aid, community work, team sports, volunteerism etc

happy upskilling people!

Garda Recruitment- The Waiting to Apply Room

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