TODAY IS THE final day for applications to the Garda Síochána’s 2016 recruitment programme.

The force is adding an additional 600 members to its ranks this year, bringing to 1,150 the total number of new recruits since the Garda Training College was reopened in September 2014.

Garda trainees receive a weekly allowance of €184 for the first 32 weeks of service.

On appointment, a probationary garda is paid an annual salary of €23,171, rising by increments to a maximum of €45,793 per annum after 19 years.

Stages 1 to 3 of the selection process will be conducted by the Public Appointments Service.

Candidates who reach stage 3 will go forward for consideration by Garda Commissioner Nóirín O’Sullivan.

Minorities

O’Sullivan previously said she hoped to see applications a large number of female applicants.

“When I joined An Garda Síochána in 1981, I was one of a tiny minority of women,” she said in November.

The force is also actively seeking recruits from minority communities.

Applications are required to have either:

• an Irish Leaving Certificate with a grade D3 minimum in five subjects at ordinary level;
• a level 5 certificate on the National Framework of Qualifications;
• a recognised qualification deemed comparable to the above.

Applications can be submitted here.

Read: ‘When I joined… I was one of a tiny minority’ – the Commissioner wants more women gardaí on the force

Read: ‘They’re just broken’: The reality of border policing in a depleted force