Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 225: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the proposals he has for requiring new Garda trainees recruited from immigrant ethnic groups to undergo an intensive course in Irish; the reason he has changed his policy on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6157/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As the Deputy is aware, I made a number of changes in September 2005 to the rules governing entry to the Garda Síochána, including removing the requirement to hold a qualification in both Irish and English in the leaving certificate or equivalent, in favour of a requirement to hold a qualification in two languages, at least one of which must be Irish or English.

Irish society is increasingly diverse in its composition. The previous absolute requirement for Garda trainees to hold an academic qualification in Irish was undoubtedly a barrier to membership of the Garda Síochána for many persons. My changes to the eligibility criteria have opened up entry to the Garda Síochána to persons from all of our different ethnic communities. This is a hugely significant step which will help to ensure that future intakes of recruits to the Garda Síochána reflect the composition of Irish society, to the benefit of the force and the people it serves.

I want to make it clear, however, that Irish will continue to have an important place in the Garda Síochána. Everyone who wishes must be able to communicate with the force through our native language. The Garda Síochána has a very strong commitment to delivering a service through Irish. Indeed, proficiency in Irish is strongly promoted within the force and that will continue to be the case.

Future recruits to the Garda Síochána who do not have a qualification in Irish when commencing their period of training will, therefore, be required to achieve an appropriate standard in Irish before becoming full members of the force. Details of the Irish language training programme for Garda trainees will be finalised shortly by the Garda Commissioner, in consultation with my Department and the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Deputy O'Cuív.