Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 68: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the minimum requirements in terms of having Irish for persons wishing to enter the Prison Services and An Garda Síochána; the reason for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2665/07]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I can inform the Deputy that persons entering the Irish Prison Service under the 2006 recruitment campaign were required to hold a qualifying grade in two languages, one of which must be English or Irish as follows: English — a grade no lower than D3 Ordinary level — Leaving Certificate; Irish — a grade not lower than C3 Foundation level or D3 at another level — Leaving Certificate; Other language — a grade not lower than D3 Ordinary level — Leaving Certificate; or the Merit Grade in the Applied Leaving Certificate (must have attained the required standard in Mathematics, English or Irish, and one other language).

Approval from the Department of Finance is awaited to proceed with a new recruitment campaign to include the following eligibility conditions: A qualifying grade in either the English or Irish languages as follows: English — a grade not lower than D3 at Ordinary level — Leaving Certificate, or equivalent; Irish — a grade not lower than C3 at Foundation level or D3 at another level — Leaving Certificate; or the Merit Grade in Applied Leaving Certificate (must have attained the required standard in Mathematics and English or Irish) or equivalent.

I can also inform the Deputy that there is no minimum requirement for a person wishing to become a Garda Trainee to hold a qualification in the Irish language, provided that person holds qualifications in English and another language as set out in the Garda Síochána (Admissions & Appointments) Regulations 1988, as amended by the Garda Síochána (Admissions and Appointments) Amendment Regulations 2005.

However, I want to make it very clear that Irish will continue to have an important place in An Garda Síochána. Everyone who wishes to, must be able to communicate with the Force through our native language. An 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.

All recruits to An Garda Síochána are required to achieve an appropriate standard in Irish before becoming full members of the Force.