Press release
Minister McEntee commends newest members of An Garda Síochána
Published on
Last updated on
Published on
Last updated on
The Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee, has welcomed the attestations of 70 members of An Garda Síochána at the Garda College, Templemore, today.
The Minister said:
"I wish to congratulate our newest members of An Garda Síochána. It is always a proud day when recruits join the ranks of An Garda Síochána, but this is a special year. We are 100 years on from the establishment of our police service when the very first members of An Garda Síochána, led by the first Garda Commissioner, Michael Staines, passed out at a ceremony in Dublin’s RDS on 21 February 1922.
"The men and women whose attestations have taken place today carry on the fine work of those very first recruits, in protecting communities and citizens all over the country."
Today’s attestations bring the total number of members of Garda rank to 11,773. A further 158 trainees are currently in training.
There is currently a recruitment competition underway for applications to join An Garda Síochána. Budget 2022 has provided for the recruitment of up to 800 Gardaí and 400 Garda staff this year and many of those recruited will be drawn from this competition.
The Minister added:
"There has never been a better time to join the Gardaí as we work towards a policing service for the future that is valued for the essential public service it provides. Both the government and the Garda Commissioner are committed to increasing diversity within An Garda Síochána and ensuring that all communities can see themselves reflected in our police service.
"The deadline for the recruitment campaign is next Wednesday, 16 March. I urge anyone interested, particularly members of new Irish communities, women and people from minority groups to consider a career in An Garda Síochána."
The newly attested members have now completed their training and will be placed in Garda Divisions throughout the country.