Gardaí admit long vetting waits resulting in candidates leaving process

An Garda Síochána has admitted the length of the vetting process “has resulted in candidates removing themselves from the process”.

Several candidates have contacted BreakingNews.ie to express their frustration as they await “suitability checks”, as they await completed vetting over a year after completing their applications.

The rigorous process includes several stages, including exams, interviews, fitness tests, medical examinations, and thorough security vetting.

These individuals are from the 2022 and 2023 competitions, and are still waiting to see if they will be admitted to the Garda College.

They also expressed frustration at a change to the system, in response to efforts to boost Garda unmbers, which saw 2024 applicants admitted while their vetting is still ongoing.

In response to a query from BreakingNews.ie, An Garda Síochána confirmed this change, and admitted some people had withdrawn from the process due to long waits.

A Garda spokesperson said: “Based on feedback…