Eight new Gardaí have been assigned to the Northwestern Region based in Galway from the most recent graduating class this week.
On Friday morning, a total of 87 new officers were sworn in as members of An Garda Síochána.
These new members, of whom 77% are male and 23% female, bring the total number of sworn Gardaí to 13,949 officers.
These members of An Garda Síochána were the first members recruited as part of the 2022 recruitment campaign.
The new Gardaí commenced their Garda training in November 2022, and have undertaken a blend of on-line learning, on-site learning in the Garda College, and experiential learning in training Garda stations.
Speaking at today’s ceremony, Deputy Garda Commissioner Anne Marie McMahon said, “Policing and the needs of our communities have changed significantly over our long history and continue to change.”
“An Garda Síochána is changing too, responding to the needs of a diverse society. But our tradition of community policing remains as important as ever. What this means is proactively policing with communities.”
“This means upholding a victim centred community focused service, and respecting the human rights of all individuals regardless of circumstance.”
Deputy Commissioner McMahon further added, “You are here today having gone through a rigorous training programme because of your drive to keep people safe.”
“Your commitment to uphold law and order. Your dedication to public service. You are here today because you want to make a difference. This is the job of a Garda. And it’s a job worth doing.”
Of the newly sworn in Gardaí, 62 have been assigned to Dublin, 10 the the Eastern Region, 7 to the South, and 8 to the Northwest.
There are a further 289 recruits currently undergoing training at the Garda College, with another 175 due in the next intake starting on July 31.
As of the December 31, 2022, a total of 898 sworn Garda members have been reassigned to operational duties as a result of increase in Garda staff recruitment.
Deputy Commissioner McMahon concluded by saying, “As you depart the Garda College and prepare to go to your new stations, know you have already demonstrated your skill and ability to adapt and perform.”
“Have faith in your own capabilities. You have shown your commitment to providing a service to the people of Ireland.”
“I wish each of you every success in your career and look forward to working with you. I now formally congratulate you on becoming members of An Garda Síochána.”
