Total of 120 new garda recruits sworn in at ceremony in Templemore

Kenneth Fox

Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan welcomed the attestation of 120 new members of An Garda Síochána at a ceremony in the Garda College in Templemore on Friday.

The new Garda members will now be assigned by the Commissioner to Garda Divisions throughout the country where they will begin their careers in An Garda Síochána.

Speaking at the Garda College, Minister O’Callaghan said: “My focus is on ensuring Ireland is a safer place for everyone. Making sure that An Garda Siochana is at full-strength is a core part of that. This Government has made a commitment, and we will recruit at least 5,000 new Gardaí over the next five years.

"I am pleased that a further 170 recruits will enter the Garda College this coming Monday 9th June."

Of the 120 attesting on Friday, 89 are men and 31 are women.

Minister O’Callaghan said: “I want to congratulate our new Garda members as they attest from the Garda College and join their new stations across the country. 74 of the new Members will be deployed across the Dublin Metropolitan Region.

“For each new Garda attesting today, this is a milestone that marks the beginning of a fulfilling career dedicated to protecting the community and to public service.

“That strong relationship between our gardaí and the community is not the norm in many countries and it is something we must never take for granted. I know that each one of these gardaí will continue in this great tradition."