Inspectorate examination of entry routes into An Garda Síochána

In its report Changing Policing in Ireland, the Garda Inspectorate recommends that An Garda Síochána consider establishing an entry and training scheme for officers from other police services which would take account of their previous training and experience. Having regard to reforms across the public service, the government has agreed that there would be value in a broader examination of the possibilities for opening up entry routes into An Garda Síochána at all levels.

As part of the government’s Five Year Reform and High-level Workforce Plan, the Minister has requested the Garda Inspectorate to carry out such an examination, including of practices in other jurisdictions, and make recommendations in this regard. The two key areas of the terms of reference are as follows:

1) entry routes into An Garda Síochána for police officers from other police services at the Garda rank

Entry at the Garda rank requires all successful candidates to complete the full foundation training if they wish to join An Garda Síochána, notwithstanding that they may have qualified and worked as police officers in other jurisdictions. Issues that the examination will consider include:

• options for a fast track entry process (having regard to practice/experience of other comparable police services) including modified eligibility requirements and a modified training programme
• how the recruitment process might operate
• the potential benefits (including consideration of likely take-up rate) to be gained from creating a more attractive entry route for serving/former police officers from other police services versus the cost of recruitment/training
• any other relevant issues

2) opening up of appointment opportunities at the mid to higher ranks to persons outside of An Garda Síochána

At present, promotion competitions to the ranks of sergeant and inspector are closed to persons outside of An Garda Síochána while the appointment competitions to superintendent, chief superintendent and Assistant Commissioner are also open to equivalent members of the PSNI. The examination of the opening up of appointment opportunities will include:

• an assessment of international best practice in relation to recruitment to the mid to higher ranks in comparable police services
• the operation of the arrangements for PSNI members to participate in Garda promotion competitions and factors influencing their limited impact to date
• identification of appropriate options for opening up opportunities for entry to some/all of these ranks to experienced police professionals or other persons with the required skill set
• consideration of how the recruitment processes might operate
• consideration of induction/training requirements
• any other relevant issues

The Inspectorate has commenced their examination and is expected to report before end of 2017.