Minister for Justice Helen McEntee, who is on maternity leave, previously defended the standards for recruits as necessary. Photograph: Cyril Byrne / The Irish TimesMore than one in six Garda recruits are failing a general fitness test they must undergo to become members of the force, according to the Department of Justice.
He called for a review of the tests, especially the time limits involved, as overly stringent physical testing was now “blocking” efforts to increase the size of the Garda to 15,000 members. The force’s capacity to grow was being undermined by tests that were out of step with international policing norms at a time when an “unprecedented” amount of money was being spent on policing in the Republic, he added.
In reply to queries from Mr O’Callaghan, Minister for Justice Simon Harris TD said of 315 recruits who underwent the physical competency test last year, to early December, some 55 had failed. The tests are comprised of a shuttle run, or bleep test, during which recruits must run between points within time limits. They must also perform push-ups, complete an obstacle course and then perform exercises on a push-pull machine, within time limits.
Similar to obese doctors or health professionals they should be ashamed of themselves
They clearly don't do a 'width' measurement before exiting Templemore
Is fitness relevant to child abuse or domestic abuse investing? Or cyber crimes. I would prefer basic competence including mental health tests on those running for Dáil Éireann. Mr O Callaghan once asked how domestic violence effected THE ECONOMY
Don't need to be fit to sit inside all day.
99% of current gardai couldn't pass that test in the morning!! HMcEntee LeoVaradkar
That’s because it is open to hobbits who are wider than they are tall!! What do ya expect?!
We all know that, nothing new here. No wonder they are always cruising
GardaFattyMcFattington. But who cares as long as they are doing their job without bias or favour.