Total strength of the force:

Comnmissioner: 1

Deputy commissioner: 2

Assistant commissioner: 10

Chief superintendent: 47

Superintendent: 169

Inspector: 263

Sergeant: 1,866

Gardai: 8,854

Total: 11,212

Qualifications:

Height: men must be at least 5 ft 9 ins; women must be at least 5 ft 5 ins

Age: At least 18 and under 26 years

Education: grade D at ordinary level in five Leaving Cert subjects, including Irish, English and maths in the traditional Leaving Cert or the Leaving Cert Vocational grade D at ordinary-level in at least three subjects, including English, together with a grade B at foundation level in maths and a grade C at foundation level in Irish in either the traditional Leaving Cert or the Leaving Cert Vocational a merit in the Leaving Cert Applied equivalent qualifications such as matriculation, a GCE (advanced level), NCEA national cert/diploma.

Selection process

Stage one usually involves a verbal evaluation, analytical reasoning and a job simulation exercise. Stage two includes elements such as a written communication exercise and an interview. Stage three includes a medical examination and may include a physical ability test.

No special preparation is required for the written tests and exercises and past papers are not available.

Trainee pay and allowances:

Phases 1, 3 and during annual leave: personal allowance of £88.93 per week and an allowance of £43.80 per week towards food and accommodation

Phase 2: personal allowance of £88.90 per week and an allowance of £50 per week towards food and accommodation

Other allowances: boot: £2.08 per week; £2.93 per week

Training

Phase 1: Garda College, Templemore, 22 weeks plus two weeks annual leave

Phase 2: A Garda station or Garda stations anywhere in the State, 24 weeks plus two weeks' annual leave

Phase 3: Garda College, Templemore, 12 weeks

During phases 1 and 3 trainees stay in the Garda College.