Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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471. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding changing the Irish language requirement for entry to An Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35968/18]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware competitions for recruitment to An Garda Síochána are governed by An Garda Síochána (Admissions and Appointments) Regulations 2013.

Under the 2013 Regulations, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for recruitment to An Garda Síochána. These Regulations provide that all applicants must have a proven proficiency in two languages, one of which must be Irish or English. This requirement applies without discrimination to all candidates. Such competency may be proven by achieving the relevant grades in an Irish Leaving Certificate or for English or Irish through such assessments as set out by the Public Appointments Service. While two languages are required, applicants who do not possess proficiency in Irish but have a second language will be deemed eligible under the Regulations. However, all Garda trainees are required to partake in and pass Irish while in the Garda College.

The Public Appointments Service (PAS), on behalf of the Garda Commissioner, manages the initial recruitment stages for selection of Garda Trainees and I, as  Minister, have no direct involvement in the matter. I have, however, been informed that PAS, which conducts tests as part of the competitive selection process, carefully considers all requests for reasonable accommodations. In considering such requests, PAS is conscious of the rights of people with disabilities and of the obligations on it to observe those rights and to act in accordance with the provisions of the relevant equality legislation.

I am further advised that in considering requests for reasonable accommodations, PAS has a fundamental duty to ensure it is being fair to all candidates who have entered a particular competition and that the key principle of appointment on merit is being observed. To assist PAS in considering a request for accommodations in a fair and balanced way, its policy is to ask candidates to indicate on their application if they require special accommodations and to submit evidence in support of their request. PAS will consider letters or reports from relevant professionals which clearly indicate the nature of the disability and the type of accommodation(s) that may be relevant to the person. PAS has given additional time to people with dyslexia where they have supporting evidence. However, having made reasonable accommodations, candidates must reach the required standard in order to be considered for further progression in a competition.

I am acutely aware of the need to recruit candidates with the appropriate qualifications to An Garda Síochána, and am committed to ensuring that best practice is followed with regard to any such recruitment. The Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland, which began its work in May 2017, is undertaking a comprehensive examination of all aspects of policing including, the appropriate composition, recruitment and training of personnel to ensure the personnel reflect the diversity of Irish society. The Commission is due to report later this month. The report will be considered by Government in due course and decisions taken in relation to its implementation.