McEntee welcomes 157 new Garda graduates with 38 recruits assigned to Eastern Region

Justice Minister McEntee has congratulated 157 new Garda members after their Passing-Out Ceremony in Templemore bringing to approximately 323 the number of newly attested members this year

Thirty-five per cent of new recruits are women while 11 per cent were born outside of Ireland.

The new Garda members have now completed their training and will be assigned to Garda Divisions throughout the country with 38 destined for the Eastern Region which includes Meath..

Speaking today, Minister McEntee said:

“I am delighted to see such a vibrant, diverse group becoming Gardaí today. The sense of pride here in Templemore is palpable – the pride of the recruits and their loved ones in what they have achieved, their pride in the uniform and the organisation they have joined and pride in their decision to take on the duty of service to the State. That commitment to public service is something for which we as a country are all grateful for, and for the individual Garda it is both a privilege and an honour that comes with great responsibility to the people you serve.

“Today is a day that marks the end of a long journey of determination and hard work to get to here, and the now the beginning of a new journey into a career that will be no doubt challenging, but I hope immensely fulfilling for you all.

“I would like to thank each of you for making this commitment to serve and protect the people of Ireland – I offer you my sincerest gratitude and congratulations. “

The Minister added:

“Today is further evidence of the growing momentum in recruitment into An Garda Síochána. We’ve seen significant interest in a career with An Garda Síochána in the recent recruitment competition. New intakes and Passing Out ceremonies are now taking place in the Garda College several times a year.

“I am delighted to see four of today’s new Gardaí are former reserve members. The current recruitment campaign for reserves remains open until the 4th of July and I would encourage anyone interested in contributing to safety in their community to consider applying. As their success today demonstrates, time as a reserve can also lay an excellent foundation for a future full-time career in policing.

“As Minister I am committed to building safer communities and a full strength An Garda Síochána including Garda staff and Reserves is at the heart of that. We have taken significant measures to boost recruitment by increasing the training allowance for Gardaí, increasing the entry age to 50 and we are currently working to increase the mandatory retirement age to 62. Government is also supporting An Garda Síochána in being an employer of choice for all through significant budget provision for training, employee welfare and technology to support a modern policing service. ”

These 157 newly sworn members will be allocated as follows:

• Dublin Region 102

• Eastern Region 38

• Southern Region 11

• NorthWestern Region 6

These newly attested 157 members of An Garda Síochána were recruited as part of the 2022 recruitment campaign. These 157 newly sworn Gardaí will now take on operational responsibilities.

Speaking at today’s attestation, Commissioner Drew Harris welcoming the new Garda probationers said;

"In applying to become a Garda you took the first steps towards a rewarding and varied career. And now as you prepare to embark on the road ahead, it is important to remember the journey to where you are today. It has taken strength. It has taken dedication. It has taken a drive to succeed, and a desire to be of service."

Commissioner Harris reminded the new Garda probationers that:

"As Gardaí you have a responsibility to serve the people of Ireland. To keep them safe. To put them first. To act ethically. Professionally. And with integrity to protect the human rights of everyone you come into contact with. As Gardaí it is your duty to maintain the highest standards. It is what the public expect and deserve, and what I expect too. Being a Garda is a privilege and an honour.”

Wishing the new Garda probationers well Garda Commissioner Harris said:

"Thank you for choosing a career in An Garda Síochána. I hope the weeks and months ahead brings plenty of great first experiences and that your journey with us in An Garda Síochána is a long and fulfilling one. I now formally congratulate you on becoming members of An Garda Síochána.”