The Irish language will continue to have an important place in the Garda despite a drive to recruit more non-nationals to the force, Minister for Justice Michael McDowell said today.
Speaking at an Information Seminar for Ethnic Communities on Garda Recruitment this morning, Mr McDowell said recent changes to recruitment requirements showed the commitment of the Government and the Garda to embrace the opportunities and challenges presented by Ireland's diverse society.
The seminar was organised by the, National Consultative Council on Racial and Interculturalism and was attended by representatives of ethnic communities and prospective applicants to An Garda Síochána.
Under new rules approved by the Government last month, applicants to the force no longer have to hold a qualification in Irish or English. Instead, they must prove they are competent in two languages, at least one of which must be English or Irish.
Mr McDowell said: "Some people have expressed concern that these changes will be damaging to the Irish language
"On this point, I want to make my position clear. Our native Irish language will continue to have an important place in An Garda Síochána. All Garda recruits will be required to achieve an appropriate standard in Irish before becoming full members of the force, and basic training in Irish will be given to recruits who have no qualification in the language."
Details of the training scheme, he said, would be finalised shortly by the Garda Commissioner in consultation with Minister for Justice and with Minister Éamon Ó Cuiv.
Entry to the Garda will be open to EU nationals, European Economic Area states and any non-national who has been lawfully present in the State for five years.
