Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 17 Apr 2002

Vol. 552 No. 1

Written Answers. - Garda Recruitment.

Alan Shatter

Question:

588 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his proposals to recruit to the Garda Síochána persons of different ethnic origins to ensure that there is proper representation within the Garda force of people from different ethnic origins and backgrounds and that such representation properly reflects the background profile of those who reside in the State. [12070/02]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

Recruitment to the Garda Síochána is governed by the provisions of the Garda Síochána (Admissions and Appointments) Regulations which deal with issues such as appointment and admission to the Garda Síochána and promotion within the force. Equality issues are fully considered in the context of the making of these regulations. For instance, the Garda Síochána (Admissions and Appointments) (Amendment) Regulations, 2001, provide, inter alia, for the abolition of the height requirement for entry to the Garda Síochána. This may well have implications in the context of representation from ethnic minorities with differing height profiles.

I should add that the selection process for Garda trainees is carried out by the office of the Civil Service and Local Appointments Commissioners on behalf of the Garda authorities and that, as Minister, I have no function in the process.