Press Release
1st February 2010
Minister Curran Congratulates Local Garda Graduates at the Garda Graduation Ceremony
I was delighted to be in a position to attend the graduation of 258 new members of An Garda Síochána last week (28th January 2010), said Minister of State and Local Fianna Fáil T.D. John Curran.
“At the ceremony I had the pleasure of meeting some local Clondalkin and Lucan graduates. The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Dermot Ahern, was unable to attend, but I was pleased to represent him at the ceremony which honors members of one of our most important public service organisations, An Garda Síochána.
For the many Gardaí who graduated it was the successful culmination of a very thorough and strenuous training process. They have shown themselves worthy and capable of taking their place in a modern police force. It was a happy day, not only for the graduates but also for their families and friends who have supported them in choosing a career as a member of An Garda Síochána. They can all be justifiably proud of what they have achieved, with their help and support.
It is a major personal milestone for each graduate. They have set out on a path of public service. While there will inevitably be challenges along that path, there will also be the celebration of further achievements as serving Gardaí. Each graduate will play an important role in cementing the bond of trust that already exists between An Garda Síochána and communities throughout this country.
I am very conscious of the many challenges which members of An Garda Síochána face in carrying out their duties. The Government remains committed to providing the legal powers and resources necessary to target the changing face of criminality. Despite the pressure on the public finances, the Government has continued to prioritise the allocation of resources for the Gardaí.
The Government attaches the highest of priorities to tackling organised crime. As a T.D. in Dublin Mid West we are all aware of killings arising from the activities of gangland criminals and Clondalkin and Lucan have not escaped such crimes. They are evidence of the callous disregard for human life and the disregard for community safety shown by members of criminal gangs.
It was against this background that the Government introduced a series of strong anti-gangland legislative measures last year. The Criminal Justice (Surveillance) Act facilitates the use as evidence in trials of material gained by secret surveillance. The Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act provides for trying certain crimes involving criminal gangs in the Special Criminal Court unless the DPP directs otherwise. It also introduced several new organised crime offences with maximum prison sentences of 15 years to life and increased the penalties for intimidation of a witness or juror.
Part of my Ministerial remit is the implementation of the National Drugs Strategy. The Government remains committed to tackling the problem of drug misuse through the Interim National Drugs Strategy for 2009 - 2016 launched last September. Gardaí will have a significant role to play in the delivery of this Strategy in your daily dealings with the community, either through drug law enforcement or through being involved in drug education and substance misuse prevention.
As Minister also with responsibility for integration policy I want to compliment An Garda Síochána on its continuing commitment to the recruitment of people from minority communities into the Force and the Garda reserve.
In conclusion, I wish each graduate every success in what I am sure will be long and satisfying careers as members of An Garda Síochána.”
Ends