Over 300 people from the State have applied to join the new policing service in Northern Ireland - more than any other group from outside the North.
With the first 240 recruits to be chosen soon in preparation for the start of training next September, security minister Mr Adam Ingram said 7,843 completed application forms had been returned.
No details of the religious backgrounds are available as an equal opportunities analysis has yet to be done.
The British government has spent around £750,000 sterling on an advertisement campaign for the new service, which has yet to be endorsed by the main nationalist and republican parties in Northern Ireland.
The first of the recruits are expected to be on the streets this time next year.
Fermanagh-South Tyrone MP Mr Ken Maginnis said the numbers applying to join from the State did not surprise him.
He said: "The extent to which people from across national boundaries, and the traditional divide in Northern Ireland, are clamouring to join the RUC is a true reflection of the high regard most decent people within society here have for our police service.
"Traditionally there has been a steady trickle of recruits from the Irish Republic, some of whom have reached very senior rank. It isn't surprising that this trickle has become more substantial," he said.
Northern Ireland Secretary of State Dr John Reid said applicants from the State was a sign of confidence in the new force from outside the boundaries of Northern Ireland.
The breakdown of applicants;
- Northern Ireland7,208
- Republic of Irland 332
- Britain262
- Elsewhere 41
PA