DUBLIN, Ireland - An Garda Síochána has launched a major new recruitment campaign, with musical candidates being encouraged to apply for the first time as the force seeks to fill the ranks of its historic band.
The competition, announced on Monday by Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan TD and Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly, opened on Monday and runs until June 3rd.
The "It's a Job Worth Doing" campaign – backed by a €345,000 promotional push across video, print, radio and social media – highlights the breadth of careers on offer, from frontline policing and the Dog Unit to senior management and appearances on Crimecall.
For the first time, candidates with a musical background are being actively encouraged to apply. Those who express an interest on their application form will be considered for a future audition for the Garda Band, following successful completion of training and probation.
Successful recruits will earn a starting salary of €39,194, rising incrementally, and work a 12-hour core shift roster with additional allowances and overtime opportunities (paid at time-and-a-half, or double time for Sunday and public holiday work).
Trainees receive €354 per week during the 36-week programme at the Garda College, where accommodation and meals are provided free of charge from Sunday to Friday. Graduates leave with a Level 7 Bachelor of Arts in Applied Policing, accredited by the University of Limerick.
‘A proud tradition'
Minister O'Callaghan said the recruitment drive was continuing apace, noting that 201 trainees entered the college last week – the fourth consecutive intake of over 200.
"A career in An Garda Síochána is demanding, but it is particularly rewarding as their work is varied, and connects Gardaí to the communities they serve," he said.
"On entering An Garda Síochána you will be joining an organisation which is over 100 years old and has a proud tradition of community-focused policing."
Commissioner Kelly added: "Being a Garda is a tough job, but I know from personal experience how rewarding it can be. There are not many jobs where you can make a positive difference to people and communities every day.
"I want to encourage people from all backgrounds to join An Garda Síochána. It is important that we represent the communities we serve."
Diversity on the rise
Recent recruitment trends show growing diversity and broader age representation. At the latest attestation, 42 new members were over 30 years of age, and a number were born outside Ireland, including in India, Spain, Poland and the United States.
Since recruitment recommenced in December 2022, more than 2,700 trainees have entered the Garda College, nearly 2,000 probationer Gardaí have attested, and over 628 recruits are currently undergoing training. New classes now enter every 11–12 weeks.
‘Every day is different'
Garda Alan Cummins, of the Dog Unit, said the career had lived up to his expectations. "I joined because I wanted a challenging, exciting career where every day was different. That may be helping detain a violent criminal, find a vulnerable missing person, or help locate and remove dangerous drugs and firearms from the street."
Garda Lisa Halligan, of the Mounted Unit, recalled public disorder in Citywest last year: "The horses remained calm while missiles were being thrown. There is great trust between horse and rider."
Applications are being managed by publicjobs and can be submitted via www.publicjobs.ie. The competition closes on Wednesday 3 June at 3pm.
