Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 July 2025
630. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the measures being taken to encourage greater female participation in An Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37277/25]
View answerThe report of Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland recommended that An Garda Síochána should reflect the diversity of Irish society, not only in gender and ethnicity, but also in terms of socio-economic, educational and geographical backgrounds and that they would need to develop recruitment strategies which reach a more diverse intake.
An Garda Síochána have demonstrated this in recent years through the establishment of the Garda National Diversity & Integration Unit (GNDIU) and the publication of an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Strategy Statement and Action Plan.
The number of women in An Garda Síochána has steadily increased. Over the past decade the number of female Superintendents, Inspectors and Sergeants has doubled in the organisation.
I would like to commend publicjobs and An Garda Síochána for the innovative and creative recruitment campaign they ran in February of this year which has resulted in strong and varied interest. Over 6,700 applications were received as part of the competition, and 32% were female.
The Garda Commissioner and I are committed to increasing diversity within An Garda Síochána and ensuring that all communities can see themselves reflected in our police service.
