asked the Minister for Justice if he will state the total number of Irish speakers recruited to the Gárda Síochána during the six months ended the 31st January, 1935; and the number of these recruited from (1) the Irish-speaking district in (a) Donegal, (b) Mayo, (c) Galway, (d) Clare, (e) Kerry, (f) Cork, and (g) Waterford; and (2) the partly Irish-speaking district in (a) Donegal, (b) Mayo, (c) Galway, (d) Clare, (e) Kerry, (f) Cork, (g) Waterford; and (3) other places; and if he will state what steps were taken to invite Irish-speaking young men to make application for recruitment and what steps were taken to select the most suitable applicants.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Recruitment of Irish-speaking Gardaí.
The total number of Irish speakers recruited to the Gárda Síochána during the period referred to was 39, which was made up as follows:—
(1) From Irish-speaking districts in
|
(a) Donegal |
9 |
|
|
(b) Mayo |
6 |
|
|
(c) Galway |
15 |
|
|
(d) Clare |
2 |
|
|
(e) Kerry |
2 |
|
|
(f) Cork |
2 |
|
|
(g) Waterford |
Nil |
(2) From partly Irish-speaking districts in those counties Nil
(3) From other places 3
It has not been found necessary to take any special steps to invite Irish-speaking candidates, the number of applicants being considerably in excess of requirements. The selection of suitable candidates is a matter for the Commissioner.
Will the Minister say whether it was the case that the Minister gave instructions to the Commissioner to select suitable candidates through the Fianna Fáil clubs in this area?
Dr. Ryan
No. I do not think the Fianna Fáil clubs come into it at all.
Is the Minister aware that recommendations have been made in these cases from Fianna Fáil clubs and from Fianna Fáil clubs exclusively?
Dr. Ryan
I do not know that.
Has the Minister considered the effect on the police force or on the forces of the State generally if recruitment of this kind is to be made exclusively through Fianna Fáil clubs?
Dr. Ryan
I think those Guards are doing their duty admirably.
Will the Minister say whether there is any particular reason why special advertisements should not be issued in the Irish-speaking districts when a substantial number of Irish-speaking recruits are being taken into the Gárda Síochána?
Dr. Ryan
It should be remembered that the number of applicants is considerably in excess of requirements.
Again, the Minister is aware that 39 Irish-speaking Guards is a substantial number to take in at one time. In view of that, will he say why advertisement was not made through the Irish-speaking districts to the effect that Guards to that number were being taken on?
Dr. Ryan
The Minister did not consider it necessary.
No—the Fianna Fáil clubs again!