Fitness tests for those wanting to join the gardaí are too demanding and are blocking a recruitment drive, a Fianna Fáil TD has claimed.
Figures released to Jim O'Callaghan by Minister for Justice Simon Harris show that one-sixth of garda applicants last year failed the test.
"I am advised by the Minister for Justice that as of early December, 55 candidates out of 315 had failed their Physical Competency Test (PCT)," he said.
The PCT includes a shuttle run, push-ups, an obstacle course, and a push-pull machine.
Mr O'Callaghan said the obstacle course must be completed three times in under three minutes and 20 seconds and if you fail any component, you must repeat the whole test.
"I am concerned that the fitness test is too demanding, out of step with other jurisdictions and is becoming a growing factor blocking recruitment," he said.
Speaking to RTÉ News, Mr O'Callaghan said he was contacted on a daily basis from constituents who were concerned about crime and that a solution to that was recruiting more gardaí.
He said the fitness test should be re-examined as part of prioritising garda recruitment.
Asked if it was appropriate to have gardaí on the street who did not meet certain requirements of the test, he said the assessment was "quite demanding".
"Nobody is suggesting that we want people in the force who aren't fit, but what we need to do is look to see if the fitness test is too demanding on them and is that the reason we aren't recruiting enough gardaí?" he asked.
He said the obstacle course and time allowed appeared to be a "particular problem".
"This isn't the sole solution to ending the recruitment crisis but it is something to look at," he said.
However, a Professor of Clinical Exercise Physiology at Dublin City University has said it would be a "wrong" to reduce requirements.
Speaking to RTÉ News, Prof Niall Moyna said gardaí have to be ready to apply themselves at any time because it is "an extremely physically demanding job".
He said the test tests the basic components of strength, speed, endurance, stamina, agility and the ability to react.
He said the current standards "are not overly taxing" and that the failure rate is a reflection of fitness in modern society.
"We certainly can't short change standards. It's very important we maintain standards. I don't think this is an issue for An Garda Síochána, they realise it is a very demanding job and there is a minimum fitness level required," he said.
He said the requirements could be met with minimum effort doing moderate amounts of physical activity.
Fitness tests for those wanting to join the gardaí are too demanding and are blocking a recruitment drive, a Fianna Fáil TD has claimed | Read more: https://t.co/8OgjYKK9Wl pic.twitter.com/Cze8DO260G
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) January 18, 2023
He said there are risks associated with being overweight or unfit as a member of An Garda Síochana, including to their own health and the ability to do their job.
"An even bigger issue is that they are never ever assessed again during their career," he said.
He suggested a regime of regular testing at higher education institutions could improve the health and fitness monitoring of gardaí.
An Garda Síochána said applicants are required to be aerobically fit in order that they can safely undergo the training programme at the Garda College and carry out the duties assigned to them.
"Members of An Garda Síochána, are encouraged and expected to maintain their fitness and health for long term effectiveness and physical fitness assessments are part of requirements for entry into and retention in certain specialist roles within An Garda Síochána," it added.
The PSNI physical test is similar to the An Garda Síochána assessment but allows four minutes and 30 seconds for the obstacle course.
Minister Harris has also said he does not think that garda fitness tests should be eased.
Speaking on RTÉ's News At One, he said: "I don't think the right way to do this is to actually ease the tests. I think the important way is to ensure the fitness tests are actually met."
Minister Harris said it is an operational matter for the Garda Commissioner.
He said he had discussed it with Drew Harris "in passing" and Mr Harris is satisfied that they are internationally benchmarked.
"Where somebody fails the test, my understanding is that they can repeat the test but my main priority is on a massive increase in garda recruitment this year and I don't think the fitness is a large part of that," Minister Harris said.
He said his main priority was a "massive increase" in recruiting gardaí, adding Government intends to get 1,000 gardaí into Templemore College this year.
Speaking to RTÉ's Drivetime programme yesterday, President of the Garda Representative Association Brendan O'Connor said the tests were "appropriate" and was developed by experts as a "bespoke test" for gardaí.
"It is quite demanding but it is appropriate to the skillset required to perform the role in An Garda Síochána," he said.
He said thousands of recruits had passed the test throughout the years.
Mr O'Connor said the GRA was open to discussion if there was a better alternative test.
He said it would not be a solution to lower standards and that the problem in recruitment was "further back" with the number of people coming through from the Public Appointment Service to the training college.
Mr O'Connor said GRA promoted wellbeing and fitness for all its members.
Additional reporting Cillian Sherlock
