The Garda reserve has begun a recruitment drive to take on 300 more recruits by the end of the year.

The recruitment campaign is part of the Government’s commitment to bolster the strength of the Garda reserve to 2,000 by 2021. The reserve’s current strength is 690.

The reserve’s role is to assist gardaí by providing local patrols and participate in crime prevention initiatives targeted at specific local problem areas. They are also involved in policing major incidents and events, and in providing other operational support to full-time officers. People of various nationalities, skill sets, ages and backgrounds are being urged to apply.

The new recruitment campaign for Reserve members of An Garda Síochána was announced by the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald TD, who said “Reserve members have undergone training in many of the skills required to be an effective full-time member of An Garda Síochána and it is important that we build on the very real contribution that they are making to the policing of communities right across the country.”

She encouraged those interested in pursuing a career in policing to consider joining the reserve first to witness what being a garda involves at first hand.

“There is now a separate recruitment stream for members of the Reserve who want to become guards that recognises the commitment and dedication of Reserve members and their important contribution to policing the State.

“The ongoing accelerated recruitment to fulfil the Government’s commitment to increase the strength of An Garda Síochána to 15,000 members also continues,” the Minister said

People from the ages of 18 to 60 can apply. The closing date for applications is 13 April.