Garda on hunt for 1,200 new recruits
All backgrounds urged to apply
THE Garda is looking to hire 1,200 new members of the force from “all backgrounds”.
Up to 800 Garda trainees and 400 staff will be drawn from this competition after funding was provided for this purpose in last year’s Budget.
Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said they are keen to break down the barriers that would have previously prevented people from applying to become a garda.
He said it is aimed at “every ethnicity, minority background and religious identity”.
The Garda recruitment drive is the first where you must be fluent in only one language - either English or Irish.
In previous campaigns, Garda applicants were required to be proficient in two languages, one of which must be English or Irish, but those regulations have since been abandoned.
Commissioner Harris said: “For 100 years, An Garda Siochana has been keeping the people of Ireland safe and as we begin marking our organisation’s centenary this week it is particularly fitting for us to be able open up recruitment.
“Ireland is changing, and is more diverse and multi-cultural than ever before.
“We want our police service to fully reflect this important progress and to represent all the communities that we proudly serve.
“That is why our recruitment drive is focused on encouraging those who may not have previously considered training to become a garda.
BARRIERS
“We are very keen to break down some of the barriers that may have been deterring people of every ethnicity, minority background, religious identity or none from applying to become a garda.
“In previous recruitment campaigns, proficiency in two languages was required. For this campaign, proficiency will only be required in one language - which can be English or Irish.
“Being more reflective of the society we serve will enhance our ability to provide an effective police service for all people.
“While we have one of the
Ireland is more diverse and multicultural than ever DREW HARRIS
GARDA COMMISSIONER
highest levels of female police officers in Europe, we fully recognise that this is not replicated when it comes to minority communities.
“There will be a significant focus in our recruitment campaign in reaching out to groups and individuals from these communities to encourage them to join An Garda Siochana. We know we have a lot of work to do in this area.
“An Garda Siochana has long attracted highly capable people to pursue a role in policing, who steadily build up a highly rewarding career in the organisation at various levels. Becoming a garda is a chance to make a real difference in communities. We want people from all backgrounds to join us and make that difference.”