Figures show ethnicity of Garda candidates

The Department of Justice has released a breakdown by ethnicity of candidates to the Garda Síochána who have successfully completed the first stage of entry to the force.

The figures reveal considerably more candidates describing themselves as "white Irish" had advanced to the interview stage, compared with other ethnic minorities.

Sixty-six per cent of "white Irish" candidates who sat the aptitude test have progressed to the interview stage. However, among ethnic minorities this figure was much lower, as low as 4 per cent for applicants describing themselves as "black African".

A total of 8,462 people applied to the force following last autumn's recruitment drive. This was the first recruitment campaign since the Irish language requirement for entry was abolished.

Of the 8,462 applicants, 6,890, or 81 per cent, completed a voluntary survey in which they indicated their ethnicity. Some 5,573 candidates classified themselves as "white Irish". Of these, 4,066 sat the aptitude test with 2,679, or 66 per cent, passing, making them eligible for the interview stage. Some 348 candidates described themselves as "white other", meaning they are white but not Irish. Of these, 146 sat the aptitude test with 57, or 39 per cent, passing and progressing to the interview stage.

Some 124 applicants described themselves as "black African". Of these 45 turned up for the aptitude test with two, or 4 per cent, passing and progressing to the interview stage. Five applicants described themselves as "black other", with four sitting the aptitude test and one progressing to the interview stage.

The biggest number of ethnic minority applicants by far came from the "Asian Chinese" community, represented by 602 applicants. Of these 463 sat the aptitude test with 101, or 22 per cent, progressing to interview.

The final ethnic category was "Asian other", with 153 candidates. Of these, 76 presented for an aptitude test with 10, or 13 per cent, proving successful and progressing to the interview stage.

A spokesman for Minister for Justice Michael McDowell said it was likely that smaller numbers from ethnic communities had passed the aptitude test because English was not their first language.

The Public Appointments Service is responsible for the administration of the application process for the Garda.

While information is not compiled on the nationality of those who apply to join An Garda Síochána, all applicants during the last recruitment drive were afforded the opportunity to indicate the ethnic group to which they belonged.

Those who passed the aptitude test will be called for interview in batches of 350 candidates. This process is currently taking place. Those who progress will be called for a medical examination.

Candidates who pass that stage will then undergo a physical examination.

This year and next, 2,200 recruits in total will pass through the Garda training college in Templemore, Co Tipperary, as part of a recruitment programme aimed at increasing the force by 2,000 to 14,000 by 2008.