Recruitment for the Garda Reserve is ongoing and the Public Appointments Service (PAS) deals with all inquiries. The PAS hold interviews on a rolling basis at a range of locations around the country.

Entry Requirements

Entry to the Garda Reserve

• Be aged at least 18 and no older than 59.
• Be a national of European Member State, an EEA State, the UK or the Swiss Confederation.
• Live in the State for a period of 1 year prior to date of application and have spent 4 of the last 8 years as a resident in the State. For a total requirement of 5 years of residency.
• Be in good health with good vision.
• Be of good character.
• A Grade of not less than a D3 or O6 in 5 subjects at not lower than ordinary level in the Leaving Certificate.
• A Level 5 Certificate or greater that is recognised with the National Framework of Qualifications or equivalent as determined by Quality and Qualifications Ireland.
• Proficient in either or both Irish and English.

For details of restrictions to entry please see FAQS.

Is there a height requirement?
There is no height requirement to join the Garda Reserve.

What are the physical requirements?
Successful candidates at stages 1 and 2 of the selection process will also be required to undergo an exacting medical examination by a Registered Medical Practitioner nominated by the Commissioner of An Garda Síochána or by the Chief Medical Officer at Garda Headquarters. Such candidates must be of good mental and bodily health and free from any defect or abnormality likely to interfere with the efficient performance of their duties. Any of the following examples of medical conditions may be a bar to passing the medical examination:

• Defective Vision (the vision standard required of a Garda Reserve trainee is not less than 6/18, 6/18 correctable to 6/9,6/12, with normal colour vision).
• Varicose veins
• Being overweight
• Albumenuria
• Dental Caries
• Defective Hearing
• Hypertension

Can a reserve police officer from another Country transfer to the Garda Síochána Reserve?
No, there is no internal transfer process. You must go through the normal recruitment process.

Can a citizen from any country join?
Applicants to join must

• Be a national of a European Union Member State, or
• Be a national of an EEA State or the Swiss Confederation, or
• Be a refugee under the Refugee Act, 1996, or
• Have a period of one year's continuous residence in the State immediately before 1 September 2005 and, during the 8 years immediately preceding that period, have had a total residence in the State amounting to 4 years. (Periods of illegal residence or residence as an asylum seeker do not count in the qualifying 5 year period).

What are the restrictions on admission to training for the Garda Reserve?
Notwithstanding that the requirements of Regulation 4 are met, a person may not be recruited for admission as a reserve trainee if the person:

• Holds a designated certificate, licence or permit i.e. Taxi/PSV Licence, Licence to sell intoxicating liquor
• Is a member of the Defence Forces
• Is an officer of the court
• Is an officer of the probation and welfare service
• Is a bailiff
• Is a prison officer
• Is a practicing barrister or a practicing solicitor
• For reward or personal gain, manages or conducts, or assists in the management or conducting of, a concern or premises which is required by law to be operated under a licence, permit or certificate, the grant of which may be opposed by An Garda Síochána
• Provides a security service within the meaning of the Private Security Services Act 2004
• Serves summonses as a spare time activity or
• Is employed in any occupation or holds any appointment or position which, in the opinion of the Garda Commissioner, may cause a conflict of interest with the proper discharge of the duties of a reserve member.

• Assessment questionnaire(s)
• Job simulation exercises
• Report writing exercises
• Interview(s)
• Medical Examination
• Any other assessment tests/exercises deemed appropriate 

• Fully comprehend their role and responsibilities within An Garda Síochána and the roles and responsibilities of the various other ranks within the force.
• Display a commitment to maintain the same professional standards as expected of all members of An Garda Síochána.
• Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of the legislative powers available to members of the Garda Reserve.
• Assist Garda members whilst on Beat duty and on duty in the Public Office.
• Master basic self defence skills to help protect themselves whilst on duty.
• Gather, detail and document accurate information in their official notebooks relating to instances encountered whilst on duty.
• Effectively use relevant Garda equipment from information and communication systems to handcuffs and batons etc.
• Competently assist Garda members in specified areas: foot patrol; traffic check points; in instances of accidents / emergencies and at other major events e.g. festivals or sporting events.
• Give evidence in court when required.
• Recognise when to take initiative and exercise discretion where appropriate.
• Possess communication skills necessary to effectively engage, in a pleasant and professional manner, with members of both the community and An Garda Síochána itself.
• Demonstrate an ability to work as part of a team.
• Exercise an awareness of human rights issues and a respect for diversity at all times.

The first step is to access the Public Appointments Service website and ensure that you meet the entry requirements (see above).

You will need to complete the relevant application form on the www.publicjobs.ie website.