A Garda role would be "a very large drop in salary" for older people deciding to make a career change, according to the Garda Representative Organsation. 

It comes as a new Garda recruitment campaign launched today has raised the maximum age of applicants from 35 to 50 and increased the training allowance from €184 to €305 per week.

On The Pat Kenny Show today,  GRA President Brendan O’Connor said past recruitment campaigns have proved unsuccessful.

There were 13,998 Gardaí in active service by the end of 2023 – well off the Government’s 15,000 target.

Mr O’Connor said he is unsure if the increase in maximum age can attract more recruits.

“I think the financial conditions that have been alluded to [in An Garda Síochána] will not attract people who are of a certain age,” he said.

“They will need to be prepared to take a very large drop in salary or have the means to subsidize it.

“Certainly, most people in their 40s or 50s with commitments would struggle to survive on €305 per week for 32 weeks, with a starting salary of €35k after that – I don’t think it’s attractive.”

Mr O'Connor is "hoping for a good uptake” of recruits this year to catch up on missed targets of the past.

“The numbers are very far behind,” he said.

“The members I represent are hard-pressed on the frontline and really want this [recruitment campaign] to be a success.

“We want to be positive and tell a good story but unfortunately the experience of a lot of our members is negative.”

Garda graduates during a Passing Out ceremony at the Garda College, Co Tipperary in November 2019. Picture by: PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo

Mr O’Connor said they are looking for those of different ethnic backgrounds to apply too.

“We have a very diverse society and a very diverse culture,” he said.

“An Garda Síochána needs to be able to provide a service and be reflective of society when doing it.

“People of all different creeds and ethnic backgrounds are very welcome and embraced and it’s something we look forward to, seeing a more representative force of the public who rely on us.

“It’s a progressive step to see that change.”

Rewarding career

Mr O’Connor said becoming a guard can still be a rewarding career, despite negative commentary.

“The thing about policing as a career choice is that there’s a great variety in it,” he said.

“No two days are the same, you meet people from different backgrounds and it gives you an insight into how society functions.

“There’s also that element of buzz and adrenaline; there’s a bit of excitement that might attract people.”

Opportunities

There are lots of “lateral and upwards” movements available to members once they join, according to Mr O’Connor.

“You can join the guards as a recruit and go into roads policing," he said.

“You can ride a high-powered motorcycle, you can be in the air support unit, you can fly in a helicopter, you can get involved in a crime scene investigation – there’s a lot of opportunities within the organisation.

“They’re also promotion prospects and I’ve certainly enjoyed my career as much as I’m on the radio giving out about different aspects of the job.”

Mr O’Connor added that his experience may not be shared with younger recruits due to changes made within An Garda Síochána over the years.

Successful applicants will undergo a 32-week training programme before receiving a starting salary of €36,403.00.

Main image: Commissioner Drew Harris inspecting trainee Gardaí at Templemore. Image: Mark Condren/RollingNews.