This morning 22nd August 2025, 154 Gardaí were attested as sworn members of An Garda Síochána. • 122 Male/ 32 Female (79% male, 21% female) • 26 Gardaí born outside the state o Australia, Belarus, Brazil, England, Germany, Kazakhstan, Nigeria, Northern Ireland, Lithuania, Poland, Portugal, Romania, United States • 4 probationer Gardaí were former Reserve Gardaí These 154 newly sworn Gardaí will now take on operational responsibilities and will be allocated as follows: • Dublin Region 45 • Eastern Region 22 • Southern Region 66 • North Western Region 21 Strength of An Garda Síochána (22nd August 2025) • 14,408 Sworn Gardaí • 3,672 Garda Staff • 296 Garda Reserves A further 369 Garda recruits (intakes 251, 252) are currently undergoing the training programme at the Garda College. The next intake of Garda recruits (intake 253), in excess of 200 Garda Trainees, is scheduled to enter the Garda College on Monday 25th August 2025. These newly attested 154 members of An Garda Síochána were recruited as part of the 2023 & 2024 recruitment campaigns. The new Gardaí commenced their Garda training in December 2024 and have undertaken a blend of on-line learning, on-site learning in the Garda College, and experiential learning in training Garda stations. Speaking at today’s attestation, Commissioner Drew Harris welcoming the new Garda probationers said; "Today is indeed a day to celebrate, but it is also a day for reflection. It is a time to reflect on what it has taken to get to this juncture in your lives. To decide how you will make the most of this important opportunity. To consider what kind of Garda you are going to be.” Commissioner Harris further said: "Do make the most of the opportunities presented to you. I also urge you to consider that each engagement and each interaction be it with an individual, group or community, can and does, have a lasting impact. These sometimes brief encounters stay with people. Whether it is the time you took to chat with an older person; or to sit and comfort someone at a time of sorrow, or in returning as stolen item to a victim of crime. These are the moments people remember always. These are moments when we can shine for those in the dark. These are also moments that will stay with you as you go through your careers as Gardaí. " Concluding Commissioner Harris reminded the new Garda Probationers: "You are here today because of a commitment to serve your country. You are here because of a desire to help people. You are here because you want better for your communities. You are here because it is a job worth doing. But no matter what it is that has brought you here today, the most important thing to remember is: Because you are here - You will keep the people of Ireland safe.” Background Information: Regional Allocation: | Probationer Allocation1 | Dublin | 45 | East | 22 | South | 66 | North West | 21 | | 120 |
1NB: The allocation of Probationer Gardaí is initially to Training Garda Stations and also allows for consequential inter-divisional transfers of other members. Ongoing Recruitment: A further 368 Garda recruits (intakes 251, 252) are currently undergoing the training programme at the Garda College. The next intake of Garda recruits (intake 253), in excess of 200 Garda Trainees, is scheduled to enter the Garda College on Monday 9th June 2025. Recruit classes are now entering the Garda College every 11 - 12 weeks. Since the 1st Garda recruits, post-covid, entered the Garda College in December 2022, including Intake 252 due to commence next Monday 9th June 2025, nearly 2,100 Garda Trainees will have started in the Garda College. The 154 newly attested Gardaí bring to 1,413 the number of Probationer Gardaí attested since recruitment recommenced and the first recruits, post-covid, entered the Garda College in December 2022. Garda Recruitment is a multistage process. Public Appointments Service (PAS) phase: • Stage 1: Following completion of the online application form, candidates are required to complete online Verbal, Numerical Assessment Tests and Questionnaires. • Stage 2: Successful candidates at stage 1 are invited to undertake a competency based interview. Following Interview PAS provide details of successful candidate to An Garda Síochána to undergo Stage 3, Appointments Process. The appointments process is conducted by An Garda Síochána. During the appointments process candidates must complete • Physical Competence Test (PCT) • Medical Examination • Substance Misuse (Controlled Drug) Testing • Vetting In successful completion of all the above parts a candidate may be invited to partake in the Foundation Training Programme as Recruit Gardaí. • Phase 1 of the Foundation Training Programme takes 32 weeks and includes o Stage 1 – Garda College o Stage 2 – Experiential, Observational learning Stage in Operational Garda Stations o Stage 3 – Capstone stage, Garda College At the completion of Phase 1 of the Foundation Training Programme Recruit Gardaí are attested and become Probationer Gardaí. | 