The first 40 Garda reservists will begin training at the Garda College in Templemore, Co Tipperary, today. They are among the initial intake from 6,661 applications since a recruitment campaign was launched last month.
Since August 14th, a further 9,138 submitted applications to become Garda trainees, while a total of 1,235 applicants applied for both positions.
Nine hundred reserve posts are to be filled initially.
The release of the figures yesterday coincided with the withdrawal by the Garda Representative Association (GRA) from pay talks. Its spokesman said a forthcoming central executive meeting in mid-October would draw up "a plan of action" on the reserve.
Minister for Justice Michael McDowell said the "overwhelming success" of the recruitment campaign was a strong vote of confidence in the Garda Síochána.
Mr McDowell said: "The recruitment campaign has attracted a massive response from aspiring gardaí and reserve members. The high level of applicants is a strong vote of confidence in our national police service, particularly as the campaign was conducted during a difficult period for An Garda Síochána.
"An Garda Síochána is undergoing huge reform; it is being transformed into a modern, fully accountable and transparent professional police service and I believe the success of this campaign reflects the public's acknowledgment of this reality."
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