Concerns on fluency of gardaí in Gaeltacht

Only half of all gardaí stationed in Gaeltacht areas have a relatively good command of the Irish language.

Figures provided by An Garda Síochána show just more than 50% of all members based in Gaeltacht areas obtained a mark of more than 60% in Irish language proficiency tests.

A total of 486 gardaí serving in 57 Garda stations located in Gaeltacht areas in Donegal, Galway, and Kerry were tested for their ability to speak Irish. An analysis of the results shows 239 officers achieved a score of 60% or less, including eight who attained a mark of 40% or less.