Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees
Wednesday, 4 February 2015
Select Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality
Estimates for Public Services 2015
Vote 20 - Garda Síochána (Revised)
Vote 21 - Prisons (Revised)
Vote 22 - Courts Service (Revised)
Vote 23 - Property Registration Authority (Revised)
Vote 24 - Justice and Equality (Revised)
Vote 25 - Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (Revised)
2:00 pm
Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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I have a question on programme D, equality and integration. I welcome the Minister's comments on the number of non-Irish nationals who are getting involved in policing, which is a positive development. I have a question about one section of the new Irish community, the Sikh community. They are very interested in becoming involved in policing but they have their culture and the issue of headdress. They want to join the Garda Síochána, but apparently in Ireland a garda is required to wear the standard Garda cap. They have been accommodated in other police forces and have done an excellent job. They are allowed to wear their turbans and other dress relevant to their culture. Does the Minister have an open mind on that, or is she sticking to the old views?