Garda Recruitment 2023/2024

XabiAlonso22

Well that's certainly a positive post, I guess its daunting to think about going for it and 40 with a family, mortgage etc....

I'll take a drop in money, wife has a full time job good though.

Walking away from my current job to try and get the guards I could love it and I could hate it and regret giving up my old job. That's probably the thing holding me back the most.

Marty1476

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121611682#Comment_121611682

I made a mistake with a FETAC qualification I have, I put it down as a Level 9 when it was a level 7. After that I failed to disclose a 'Dealing with AGS' from when I was a kid (17), my name was taken as being involved in an incident and recorded on pulse, it was minor incident and I wasn't even really involved but because I didn't declare it I was deemed as an untrustworthy candidate. I went through the appeal process but the outcome from the Commissioner remained the same.

Anonymous4321

On the Education section of the application form, are subjects taken to be entered individually (JC Physics, JC Chemistry...) or in groups (Junior Cert (with subjects listed in the text box)?

gg20

Anyone yet from batch 4 get word on when they could be starting?

sligo98

Hi, I am have sent off my application and very hopeful of gaining entry to the garda college, i have a speeding ticket and 3 points on my license from 2021 . Will that harm my chances? I paid the ticket immediately. Really hoping not as I completed the process in 2018 and didnt enter as I didnt feel mature enough out of school/whilst in college so would be a tough one

billyhead

In relation to the eye test, how strict is it? I am -2.25 in both eyes corrected to perfect vision with glasses. I have no intention of getting laser treatment. Would -2.25 unaided fail me if I got to the medical?

RarePhilosophy

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121623869#Comment_121623869

Just make sure you disclose it on form b (you fill it out after passing interview). Fairly sure minor traffic offences are fine , however , being dishonest often disqualifies candidates straight away.

Grace259

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121626095#Comment_121626095

It gives specifics in the recruitment booklet of what level you need to be at for your eyesight

deermud

42 thinking of applying. Can people in the new age bracket be sent anywhere in the country first station? I have a wife, kids and mortgage. Thanks

giseva

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121635489#Comment_121635489

The age bracket and the trainee allowance have been significantly increased to attract new numbers. Given the high likelihood that older candidates may have commitments such as families and mortgages, commonsense would suggest that these situations would have been foreseen and that personal circumstances would be considered when posting those who successfully complete training.

Like any other job, candidates sign up to the terms and conditions, including work location.

On the other hand, would it make sense to try widen the net and increase numbers, just to make it unfeasible to those same numbers by sending them to areas beyond a reasonable commuting distance from where they're raising a family or paying a mortgage? Hopefully not!

Marty1476

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121626905#Comment_121626905

I agree with everything you've said!

disclose EVERYTHING! (they already know, they just want to see if you're straight up about it ) I made the mistake of not doing so and my application was rejected for a silly mistake on my part.

The vetting team are not on a Witch hunt. If you have grey areas in your past declare them, and as long as they're not related to 'violent crimes' or 'drug related offences' you will be grand as long as you're honest about it.

Biggest mistake of my life was not being upfront about absolutely everything and I'd hate to see someone else make the mistake I did.

Marty1476

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121635489#Comment_121635489

They will take that into consideration for sure and always have done. You can also put in a request to change station once you get allocated, the priority always went to those who had 'reasonable need' to do so I.E mortgage, family etc.

The AGS working rule (or used to be) is that you're stationed at least 10km from where you live, designed to protect you on your days off so that you don't run into someone you arrested the week before.

Marty1476

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121626095#Comment_121626095

I don't know what -2.25 means TBH, but I do know that the last medical I did in Garda HQ was a basic wall chart followed by an Isihihara test which was done by a small unit mounted to the desk. There doesn't seem to be an updated version of the requirements online but you can always ask HR directly

appointments@garda.ie

01-6662571

19thhole

Well Marty.

I forgot to disclose a minor incident on my form b that occurred in my 20s. It was brought up at my Sargent meeting and super meeting and they both insured me that it won’t affect me at all.

I hope they are correct. Does it depend on the seriousness of the incident?

Marty1476

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121636070#Comment_121636070

I genuinely don't want to put the fear in but that's exactly what happened to me!

I did a coaching session with a former Chief Super for the interview and he told me not to disclose certain things as it would hold up the vetting and because it wasn't 'violent or drug related' it would be grand.

If you have had ANY dealings with AGS just put it down on the form! if you weren't convicted of a crime they can't hold that against you but there will be a record on pulse.

Speeding tickets, Road traffic offences are fine.

Before they even ask the question on your history they already know the answer. Be straight up and honest

Get in touch with Garda HR and ask them to amend your file, they will allow you to do that and it will work in your favor by disclosing it.

giseva

Where's this form? Is it separate to the initial online application?

19thhole

And what did your Sargent and super say when you met them or did you get that far?

also how did they let you know you were not making it?

XabiAlonso22

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121635489#Comment_121635489

I'm the same, I can't imagine that they have opened the age limit to 50 and expect if the person got it to have to move across the country with a family and that of course you sign up for it to be that way maybe but I'm sure they will place you close to your home. How else would they attract people to the force,they want people with life experiences and most of not all will be taking a financial hit to join the guards so they will have to try and get people stationed close to their home.

Witcher

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121636519#Comment_121636519

Good luck with that angle

Marty1476

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121636411#Comment_121636411

are you asking about the Form B?

the past recruitment campaigns were handled by publicjobs.ie

you would do an online aptitude followed by a monitored aptitude in their office.

Then you would be called for an interview in the same office (different date) and before you had your interview you would meet a member of the vetting team who would go through your Form B and get a declaration off you.

Then the three person panel interview which was always fun

What way is it being done these days?

XabiAlonso22

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121636530#Comment_121636530

Of course maybe I'm naive, you don't think so? I get you sign up for it and you go where they send you etc.....

Marty1476

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121636556#Comment_121636556

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121636556#Comment_121636556

Let me know if I can help with any information you need

giseva

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121636553#Comment_121636553

So far it has just been an initial application by publicjobs.ie on which general details, education, employment history and a section on why the candidate feels they would make a good Garda Trainee. The only other thing I could see was a tick box verifying the meeting of the specified criteria. But no form B as yet. Could anyone to that has just applied for the 2024 shed any light on this?

XabiAlonso22

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121636742#Comment_121636742

Cheers mate appreciate it, sorry are you a guard or went for it or going for it?

The new age restrictions has opened it up for me who maybe wanted to do it years ago but things happened so I never did it. As I said I don't know too much about the process I do have people I know who are guards but in general not a clue about the process or the college etc....

joco12

Hi,

For the medical, I’m wondering about the hearing test. I have good conversational hearing but I wear a cochlear implant. I saw they said about having good conversational hearing without the use of hearing aid.. . So does a cochlear implant count as a hearing aid? Or does this disqualify me straight away?

ruralevent101

Does anyone have any good tips for the obstacle course? I see the bleep test talked about a good bit but no so much the obstacle course

BaronVon

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121635489#Comment_121635489

The official rules are that outside Dublin, Cork, and Limerick, with under 5 years service you cannot be stationed within 80kms of your home place, or any place a family member or an in-law has a business. After 5 years service that reduces to 50kms. Obviously there are exceptions to every rule, but that's the official policy.

So yes, you can be sent anywhere. You can make an application on welfare grounds, but the 'exigencies of the service' take precedence. Like at the moment, the vast majority of recruits will be going to Dublin for the foreseeable future....

puntcuncher

Hi Marty, I was caught by the guards speed gun as couple years ago going 10 over the limit. I got penalty points but it never went to court. I never declared this on the form B cause I don't think it was necessary. Should I have declared this do you think?

Marty1476

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121637572#Comment_121637572

My golden rule going forward is that I will be declaring absolutely everything, only because i was rejected before but In my opinion I don't think you need to worry about that as its not necessarily a criminal offense. Still be no harm to ask the Garda HR team, they are very helpful

016662571

Marty1476

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121637237#Comment_121637237

The obstacle course is no panic whatsoever, only advice I can give is sprint where you can in between the obstacles and take your time on the actual obstacles.

The balance beam and ducking under the pole are where most people get penalized on, so slow and take your time on these, everything else can be done at speed. Once you get to the third lap, that Dummy will feel ten times heavier, but you'll be grand

As far as I know they've done away with the Push Pull machine as lot of people were failing on that

Marty1476

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121636835#Comment_121636835

I'm not a guard, yet! :-), but I have been through the process a few times so happy to help with any info I can. There does seem to be changes in the process since my last application but any advice I can give, please feel free to ask and I will answer publicly to help anyone else too

puntcuncher

Thanks a million Marty. I took your advice and gave them a call and you were right, the woman on the phone said to disclose ANY interaction with the Guards. She just told me to outline it all in an email and send it on so they can add it to their file. You're a legend for giving the heads up, Cant thank you enough!

jcoyne22

Waiting around for vetting to be completed for a while and holding up offers being given out is just holding everything up. Understandable that it has to be done but time wise and waiting for answers. Considering everything else is done and finished for a while now and last time I asked for information the answer is "its still in progress and status is the same". Is anybody else at this point where notification / movement has just gone quite. Thanks

Marty1476

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121640790#Comment_121640790

The HR team are great, and they're delighted to help in anyway they can. The fact that you were proactive and disclosed this information will only help your application. I hope the best for you in your application :-)

Marty1476

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121640940#Comment_121640940

when did you apply?

Rmgblue

I can’t believe you’re all taking advice from someone who failed to join AGS.

Anyone who is successful in joining can be sent any where in the country. Once your transfer is in you wait like the rest of us

RarePhilosophy

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121642269#Comment_121642269

How long do you reckon the average wait time is to transfer out of Dublin to the west of the country? Would you be looking at a around 5 years?

Sierra Oscar

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121642665#Comment_121642665

You would be looking at around five years for Dublin. There are plenty waiting longer though and it depends what Division you are trying to transfer to too.

Welfare cases are taken on board and the fact that someone has kids, family commitments, a mortgage and so on would be recognised. However it is important to be aware that this is still not a guarantee that you will be stationed relatively close to home. I know a few with kids and babies who got shafted in recent years, living in Limerick or Cork and sent to Dublin. In saying that their transfers came through within a year or two.

Skipduke

Mortgage is not a standalone factor to keep you stationed close to home..

kids or minding someone sick is all that can save you

if you don’t believe me go and find out yourselves

Rmgblue

Easily 5 years. I ended up loving Dublin and I will never transfer but I know people waiting longer than 5 years. Honestly, it’s a young man’s game

yourdeadwright

if your married with kids, surly they won't ship you off down the country ,

The 305 euro a week while training makes it impossible for anyone with a half decent job to apply , they are losing out on so many good Garda ists crazy,

Why not just pay full from the start ,

Witcher

Do you understand the job you're applying for at all? There are lads commuting over an hour into Dublin 4-6 days a week with a wife, kids and a mortgage. That's with anywhere from 5-10 years service and they're still waiting on transfers. Tell them you're being hard done by.

There are shifts you could end up working well past the end of your day, like 15hrs+ past it..ontop of the 12 you've already done. Doesn't matter who or what you have at home, you're there until you're done.

It was €184 for years and that was before tax, thousands survived on it. You'll live. You don't get full pay because you're not a Garda, you've no power and no responsibility.

I've said it before..some people here need a serious wake up call about the job they're applying for. The sense of entitlement is unreal, the bend will be taken out of some of you rapid when ya get onto a unit lads, some of you are in for a serious wakeup call.

yourdeadwright

So if your in your 40 now trying your hand now & you did a FAS course when you left school got a job out of that which lead from one job to another to where you are now 20 years later ,

Will they care about the results or even what course you did when yo where 18/19 ,

Its over 20 years ago , no idea where the results of said course are now or even the full title of the course was,

Surely good references & what you actually work at now is far more important to them ,

ruralevent101

You’re literally getting paid to be trained. The opposite of university. It isn’t a job yet

giseva

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121655218#Comment_121655218

Some people probably do need to think seriously about it before applying in terms of getting sent absolutely anywhere. The fact remains, the training wage and the age has been significantly increased to attract more people. I don't think this is because the job is amazing and without hardship on many levels. I don't think it's because there are too many Gardai, and all are really content. The increases are because the numbers aren't there, and there is a retention issue. I'm sure successful candidates will be sent to places they do not wish to go, but from what I've read here, people are asking relevant questions. And if there's no hope for anyone getting sent to reasonable locations, even with the new age increase, and the numbers still aren't achieved...well then what's the point?

billyhead

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121655218#Comment_121655218

I suppose it's good to advise applicants what their getting into. Might make them second think as to whether they should apply or not and not waste their time.

Rmgblue

Yet so many will waste their time, realise that they aren't so special that they will be placed close to home with literally hundreds, if not more waiting for transfers

Skipduke

Think a bigger issue here is how the select few with pull are still getting a handy station, without a welfare case or genuine reason to be close to home in 2024. this needs to be addressed. While hundreds, if not thousands wait for transfers. heard recent cases where people with genuine welfare cases are getting denied.

in the last few intakes, pretty much everyone (bar the above select few and welfare cases) went to Dublin/ Dublin outskirts.

When do we think this will have to ease off ?

leheaven

…….

leheaven

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121637237#Comment_121637237

Honestly it’s ok bit tough on the legs. If you pass the beep/push ups and sit ups, I don’t think the obstacle course will be a problem. You get up to 2 hours rest between the tests. I got 1 hour but they gave us the option to start earlier and I took it. 

I took it slow in the beginning with the cones, plank walk etc so as not to get a time fault, I sped up in between each obstacle. The second half of it I just powered through and really sprinted at the end. Just go for it and don’t hold back. It’s 3 mins of your life and then it’s over!

Training wise: I went for jogs and sprinted between light poles, used the prowler in the gym in sets of 3. So prowler (pulling it then pushing back to start) then onto push-ups and sit ups. I also did some general weight training and a sprint session once a week. I found the tests on the day to be easy but it just showed the training paid off.

Another tip on the day: warm up before the tests!