Garda Commissioner fast tracks trainee Gardaí

The Minister for Justice and Equality, Charlie Flanagan, will today welcome 319 new members to An Garda Síochána following their attestation at a brief ceremony in the Garda Training College, Templemore. The new cohort will bring the number of sworn Gardaí to the highest ever, over 14,750.
The 319 new Gardaí will be deployed to Garda stations nationally in the coming weeks, where their presence will maximise the operational availability of An Garda Síochána and its ability to support other vital services in response to COVID-19.
Speaking of that deployment, Minister Flanagan said: “An Garda Síochána has always been defined by a deep connection to community, a connection which, in almost 100 proud years of the organisation, has never been more badly needed. I want to assure those who are vulnerable, alone or afraid, you can count on our Gardaí.  They will be there to reassure you and to help you.” 
At today’s ceremony, Minister Flanagan will also commend the 124 members who are redeploying from their duties in the College to frontline policing.   
The ceremony will be brief and will observe social distancing protocols. There will be short speeches by the Minister and the Garda Commissioner, but unlike normal ceremonies, no families will attend. 
The Gardaí attesting at the ceremony are moving to the frontline at an earlier point than they would have anticipated, due to the current unprecedented circumstances. Recognising that, Minister Flanagan will commend their determination and resilience and reassure them of the support that will be available: 
“Your experienced colleagues and supervisors will be on hand to guide you. The Government will not be found wanting in our financial support to the organisation.  And I urge you to take strength too from the certainty that the community supports you.” 
Concluding his remarks, Minister Flanagan said: “I thank you sincerely, on behalf of the Government, for your commitment – to family, to community and to country… Your early deployment will make a real and positive impact – in deterring crime, supporting other vital public services and reinforcing public confidence in their Garda Síochána.