09/09/2014

First Garda Recruits In Five Years Start Training

One hundred new garda recruits will today begin their training in Templemore, the first new officers to be taken on in five years.

The new trainees bring an end to an embargo on recruitment enforced by the previous government.

Welcoming the new recruits, Fine Gael TD for Limerick, Patrick O’Donovan, said: "It is very encouraging to see that against the backdrop of severe economic difficultly the embargo has been lifted as the current Government is committed to supporting the Garda force.

"Members of an Garda Síochana carry out vital work in our communities and it is essential that we ensure they can continue to operate effectively. More Gardaí are needed on the streets and today’s new recruits signify a return to growth for the force.

"The Minister for Justice, Frances Fitzgerald TD has already done excellent work in reforming the Gardaí. Investment has been made in the Garda fleet and further reform is anticipated in the form of a strengthened Garda Síochana Ombudsman Commission.

"I am sure that today's new recruits will have a very positive effect on the entire Garda force and I wish them all the best in their training and future careers."

(MH/CD)

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