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Garda Commissioner fast tracks attestation of trainee Gardaí to bolster high visibility policing and community engagement in response to COVID-19

Garda numbers now highest ever at over 14,750; Garda Staff at almost 3,000

The Minister for Justice and Equality, Charlie Flanagan, TD, will this morning welcome 319 new members to An Garda Síochána following their attestation at a brief ceremony in the Garda Training College, Templemore. The new cohort will bring the number of sworn Gardaí to the highest ever, over 14,750.

The 319 new Gardaí will be deployed to Garda stations nationally in the coming weeks, where their presence will maximise the operational availability of An Garda Síochána and its ability to support other vital services in response to COVID-19.

Speaking of that deployment, Minister Flanagan will say:

An Garda Síochána has always been defined by a deep connection to community, a connection which, in almost 100 proud years of the organisation, has never been more badly needed. I want to assure those who are vulnerable, alone or afraid, you can count on our Gardaí.  They will be there to reassure you and to help you.

At today’s ceremony, Minister Flanagan will also commend the 124 members who are redeploying from their duties in the College to frontline policing. 

The ceremony will be brief and will observe social distancing protocols. There will be short speeches by the Minister and the Garda Commissioner, but unlike normal ceremonies, no families will attend.

The press release can be read in full here.