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
Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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That is an interesting way of putting the question. Obviously this has come up before and there has been an approach that all members of An Garda Síochána wear the same uniform. As I understand, other forces have taken a different view and there was a long discussion in the UK on the matter. As Ireland becomes more multicultural, with members of different communities getting involved, there will be changes to accommodate that. I would like to see greater diversity among An Garda Síochána. As the Deputy has said, we are seeing that in the Garda Reserve already. It is not an issue I have examined since I became Minister for Justice and Equality. The expectation is that people will wear a set uniform.