Initiative ideal for non-Irish recruits

I COMMEND the Department of Justice’s initiative to recruit gardaí from ethnic minority communities so the force may be representative of all the people of Ireland.

This approach shows a linguistic and cultural awareness which will augment policing in general.

NUI Maynooth has developed Teastas Eorpach na Gaeilge, a curriculum and an assessment system linked to the Common European Framework of Reference which is most appropriate to upskill and assess Garda recruits as part of their training. This approach can be used for recruits who attended school here as well as abroad.

Not every garda need be an authority on Irish. However, in the legal and constitutional context, it is essential every garda has a working communicative command thereof to deal effectively with the public through Irish: to give and receive directions, to take names and addresses, to take a breath sample, to give a caution and to converse freely on duty-related topics.

This level of proficiency is easily achieved over the two-year training period.

This new recruiting initiative presents a great opportunity to effect on a practical and realistic basis Government and Garda policy on the Irish language.

Irish presents us with an opportunity to promote an Irish identity beyond creed or skin colour. Recruits should not be shut out from Irish because of their ethnic background.

Dáithí MacCárthaigh

Uachtarán

Conradh na Gaeilge

6 Sráid Fhearchair

Baile Átha Cliath 2