Catherine Murphy
Question:
253. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the number of persons that have failed on their first attempt at the Garda trainee fitness test in 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024; and the number that subsequently passed the fitness test over that same period on their second attempt. [18660/24]
View answer
I have sought the information requested by the Deputy from An Garda Síochána, however, this information was not available in time. I will write to the Deputy directly once it is to hand.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51.
I refer to Parliamentary Question No. 253 of 25 April 2024 where you sought: “To ask the Minister for Justice the number of persons that have failed on their first attempt at the Garda trainee fitness test in 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024; and the number that subsequently passed the fitness test over that same period on their second attempt.”
As you will recall, I sought the information you requested from the Garda authorities and undertook to contact you again once the information was to hand.
As you will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including Garda training. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.
As you will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for An Garda Síochána, including training, with recruitment to An Garda Síochána being governed by the Garda Síochána (Admissions and Appointments) Regulations 2013. The Public Appointments Service (PAS), on behalf of the Garda Commissioner, manages the initial recruitment stages for selection of Garda Trainees. The final stages of the recruitment process in which candidates are vetted, complete a physical competency test and a medical examination, is managed by the Commissioner. I have no direct involvement in the matter.
Gardaí recruited since the reopening of the Garda Training College in September 2014 undertake a two-year training programme which leads to a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Policing which is accredited by the University of Limerick.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that as part of the Professional Competence module of the B.A. in Applied Policing, trainee/probationer Gardaí must pass a fitness assessment. I understand that this assessment, which has been in place since the inception of the B.A. in Applied Policing in 2014, was devised by the Department of Health, Sport and Exercise Science at Waterford Institute of Technology. I am assured by the Garda authorities that this is a fair and attainable assessment which ensures that trainee/probationer Gardaí have the physical capacity required to perform the full range of physical duties for which they are responsible, such as pursuing fleeing suspects and controlling persons who resist arrest.
I am advised that fitness is an assessment with a Pass/Fail grade within the Professional Competence Module and must be passed the same as any other assessment within the B.A. in Applied Policing. I am advised by the Garda authorities that the Physical Competency Tests include age-specific and gender considerations.
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the information you have requested is not available. However, to be of assistance, the Garda authorities have provided the overall PCT failures to date from the 2022 and 2023 Garda Trainee Recruitment campaigns. Please note that a confirmed failure may incorporate two attempts and one appeal.
|
Year
|
PCT Failure
|
|
2022
|
54
|
|
2023
|
80
|
*This information is operational and may be subject to change
I am advised that the selection stages for the 2024 competition are ongoing and the PCT element will be commencing in the coming weeks for the successful candidates coming through.
I trust this information is of assistance.
