Taoiseach and Minister for Justice visit Garda College Templemore as 100 new recruits start training

In the third intake to the Garda College in a matter of months, 100 new recruits entered training in Templemore today 2^nd February. Marking this day, the Taoiseach, Enda Kenny TD, the Tánaiste, Joan Burton TD and the Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald TD joined Garda Commissioner Noírín O’Sullivan at Templemore today. Following a tour of the state of the art facilities on offer to the recruits; the Taoiseach, Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality addressed the recruits.

The Taoiseach welcomed the new recruits, stating that: “I am delighted to see such a large intake of young men and women bringing their talents to An Garda Síochána.  The force provides a hugely important public service, policing our cities, towns and villages, preventing and detecting crime, bringing criminals to justice and protecting the Irish public.

“In reassuring the public and addressing crime, we need to have a visible and effective policing service that families, businesses and communities right throughout our State, both urban and rural, can be assured of. I’m proud that, despite the economic crisis we inherited, this Government has placed firm emphasis on strong and efficient policing.”

The Tánaiste, Joan Burton TD, stated that: “As Gardaí you will uphold the finest principles of honesty, accountability, respect and professionalism. You can be certain that the Government is committed to supporting and resourcing the men and women of An Garda Síochána in carrying out their role. This is evidenced through the recommencement if Garda recruitment following a hiatus since 2009, a capital allocation of €42 million in 2015 for the provision of three new Garda Divisional Headquarters, and investment of €27.5 million in the Garda fleet for the period 2012–2015.”

Minister Fitzgerald stated that: “Today marks another step forward for policing in Ireland. Today’s intake builds on the Government’s promise of seamless ongoing recruitment and will mean that 300 new recruits have entered Garda College in the past few months.”

Reflecting on the period of change that An Garda Síochána is undergoing, Minister Fitzgerald reiterated her commitment to reform, where necessary, so that An Garda Síochána can meet the realities, challenges and expectations of 21st Century policing. Commending An Garda Síochána on the ongoing delivery of a high quality service, Minister Fitzgerald stated that: “In the midst of ongoing reform and restructuring, we should not forget that on a daily basis, the thousands of men and women in the Garda Síochána, be they full time Gardaí, reserve Gardaí or civilian staff, continue to provide an exceptional service in protecting our communities and bringing perpetrators to justice. I acknowledge them and thank them for that.”