Garda recruitment drive opens today
The Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O’Callaghan TD, and Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly have today launched a new recruitment campaign for An Garda Síochána.
The campaign will remain open until Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 3 p.m.
Applications are being managed by publicjobs.ie on behalf of An Garda Síochána and they can be submitted here.
This campaign highlights the breadth of career paths in An Garda Síochána – from front-line policing, to working in the Dog Unit, to participating in Crimecall, or to climbing the ranks and working in senior management. Working in An Garda Síochána offers an active, varied working environment that goes beyond desk-based duties and supports the local community as part of daily work.
A new element in this campaign is that candidates with a musical background are encouraged to apply, as the Garda Band is open to new members. Candidates who indicate their interest on the application will be considered for a future audition for the Garda Síochána Band, following successful completion of Garda training, and the probationary period. The starting salary for a Garda member is now €39,194, rising incrementally. Gardaí work a 12-hour core shift roster with additional allowances and opportunities for overtime.
Garda trainees get paid while earning a degree and having the cost of accommodation and meals covered. Trainees receive €354 per week during the 36-week programme at the Garda College, where accommodation and meals are provided free of charge. Graduates earn a Level 7 Bachelor of Arts in Applied Policing, accredited by the University of Limerick.
Recent recruitment trends highlight growing diversity and broader age representation; at the latest attestation there were 42 members who were over 30 years of age, and a number of members who were born outside Ireland, including in India, Spain, Poland and the United States.
Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan said:
"I very much welcome the launch of the latest Garda recruitment campaign. “Recruitment into An Garda Síochána is continuing apace and 201 trainees entered the Garda Training college last week, which is the fourth consecutive intake of over 200 trainees. This campaign will ensure that there is a strong pipeline of new recruits which will continue to increase the size of the Garda organisation.
"A career in An Garda Síochána is demanding, but it is particularly rewarding as their work is varied and connects Gardaí to the communities they serve. I am committed to supporting Gardaí, both through the provision of resources and legislative provisions, to ensure that Gardaí on the frontline have the skills and equipment they need.
"On entering An Garda Síochána you will be joining an organisation which is over 100 years old and has a proud tradition of community-focused policing. “Becoming a Garda is an opportunity to continue that tradition. You will ensure that An Garda Síochána continues to meet the ever-evolving demands of policing and national security. I would encourage everyone who is interested to consider that opportunity."
Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly said:
"Being a Garda is a tough job, but I know from personal experience how rewarding it can be. There are not many jobs where you can make a positive difference to people and communities every day.
“It can also offer career opportunities in varied and interesting roles. As a Garda you can make a significant contribution to public safety through a variety of roles, including community policing, investigating domestic abuse, and tackling organised crime.
“I want to encourage people from all backgrounds to join An Garda Síochána. It is important that we represent the communities we serve. Being a Garda is definitely a job worth doing.”
Further details and information are available here.