Garda graduates await completion of background checks before stepping into their new roles

Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly and Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan are set to join the celebration tomorrow as the newest An Garda Siochana recruits graduate in Templemore.

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170 new Garda will officially join the ranks tomorrow, while a handful (four) of the graduates await the completion of their background checks before stepping into their new roles.

One recruit was unable to move forward after not passing the background check in recent weeks. In response, the Government now allows recruits to begin training even as their background checks are underway, rather than making them wait for clearance. With recent funding approved, Templemore can now accelerate its training program, bringing more Garda into service more quickly. By the end of December, the force counted 14,462 full members, 308 Garda Reserves, and 3,654 staff.

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