Ban on Garda recruitment to be lifted by year end

THE embargo on Garda recruitment is to be lifted by the end of the year, Justice Minister Dermot Ahern announced at the graduation of 267 gardaí at Templemore College.

At present there is only one other in-training group at the college.

Mr Ahern said it was his priority, with the agreement of the Minister for Finance, to maintain Garda operational strength at a level needed to meet the challenges facing the force.

“The cessation (in recruitment) was never intended to be permanent. I am planning to commence recruitment by the end of the year. A recruitment drive will be necessary to compensate for retiring members and to keep Garda numbers up to approved levels.”

Garda Commissioner, Fachtna Murphy, said he was pleased with the minister’s announcement.

One of yesterday’s graduates was Li Li, who came here from China 10 years ago. Garda Li, who will be stationed in Swords, said: “I wanted to join the Garda as I would like to work with minorities and it is a very interesting job.”

The Commissioner’s Medal for best academic student went to Garda Derek Ryan, from Perrystown, Co Dublin, who will be stationed in Balbriggan, while the Gary Sheehan Memorial Medal for best all-round student went to Garda James Darcy, from Tallaght, who will be based in Store Street.