Education requirements:Grade D in at least five subjects at ordinary level including Irish, English and maths in Leaving Cert or Leaving Cert Vocational.

Or Grade D at ordinary level in at least three subjects, including English and grade B in foundation level maths and grade C in foundation level Irish in the Leaving Cert or Leaving Cert Vocational.

Or a merit grade in the Leaving Cert Applied.

Or similar grades in other exams of equal standard.

Minimum height:

5ft 9ins for a man, 5ft 5ins for a woman.

At least 18 and under 26 years with extensions for applicants who have served in the Permanent Defence Forces, the reserve first-line, An Forsa Cosanta Aitiul or An Slua Muiri.

Applicants must be of good character, good health and sound mind.

Pay and allowances for trainees:

In Templemore and on annual leave: personal allowance of £83.35 per week plus an allowance of £42.80 per week towards food and accommodation.

Work experience personal allowance of £83.35 per week and an allowance of £52.80 per week towards food and accommodation.

Boot allowance: £2.08 per week.

Uniform maintenance allowance: £2.93 per week.

Pay scales:

£12,040 rising incrementally to £19,159 per annum.

Numbers:

1 Commissioner, 2 deputy commissioners, 9 assistant commissioners, 1 acting surgeon, 44 chief superintendents, 163 superintendents, 251 inspectors, 1,862 sergeants, 8,484 gardai. 899 of the 10,817-strong force are women. There are 702 garda stations.