Nearly 11,000 applications have been received for 2,000 newly-created Garda posts, a substantial increase on previous recruiting campaigns, it has been revealed.
The influx of applications has been attributed to a rise in the upper age limit from 28 to 35 years and the heightened publicity surrounding the announcement about the new jobs by the Minister for Justice, Mr McDowell.
Mr Martin Burke, spokesman for the Public Appointments Service, which recruits on behalf of the civil service, said when the deadline closed last Friday, they had received between 10,500 and 11,000 applications.
"Our view is that it's a very healthy response to new Garda jobs and it gives An Garda Síochána very good scope to choose strong candidates."
This was an increase on past campaigns. The last for Garda recruits was two years ago and there were under 6,000 applicants so this time there was a substantial rise.
Mr Burke said one difference about this campaign was the publicity surrounding it because of the Government commitment and debate about it.
"So this time there was certainly heightened awareness," he added.
The raising of the age limit could also have had an effect and attracted a more mature recruit who, for instance, might have decided on a career change, Mr Burke said.
This was echoed by a Garda Press Office spokeswoman who said: "The new age limit has had a major effect as there is a broader scope."
People who had different jobs and experience as well as school-leavers would have applied, she added.
When the Minister announced details of the jobs last October, he also suggested there could be a review of the Irish language requirement for immigrants who wished to join.
However, the Irish language requirement remained this time.
Mr Burke said: "Irish is still a required part of the qualifications. I'm not aware of any exceptions this time."
He said it was too early to have any breakdown by category of the applications. An Garda Síochána would be looking at the applications in detail.
A spokesman for Mr P.J. Stone, general secretary of the Garda Representative Association, said the figures clearly showed that despite unprecedented economic wealth and record remuneration in the private sector, the desirability of a career as a police officer in An Garda Síochána was attractive to a great many people.
"Considering that 2004 will certainly be remembered as one of the most difficult years in the force, it is encouraging to see that An Garda Síochána is still held in such high esteem," he said.
The majority of the applicants applied by Internet. They will take aptitude tests next year. A percentage of them will then be called for interview, followed by medical tests if successful.
Initially, students spend 22 weeks at Templemore College, followed by a period of 24 weeks at selected stations.
The salary for a recruit starts at €22,525.