Address by Mr. Dermot Ahern T.D. at the Garda Graduation Ceremony Garda College Templemore

Commissioner, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

It is truly a pleasure and an honour for me to be present here today for the graduation of 225 new members into An Garda Síochána.

This is a great day not just for all of you, but for your families and friends, without whose support and understanding you could not have undertaken the demands of training and service in An Garda Síochána. You can rightly be very proud of your achievement. The fact that you have made it through a most demanding training system is a testament to your hard work, diligence and determination.

This is the beginning of a new chapter in each of your lives. As Gardaí in modern Ireland you will face many challenges and many demands in your future careers. As you begin your service as a Garda, the message I want to convey to you today is that it must always be your priority, in enforcing the law, to respect the rights and the dignity of each individual and to treat all people fairly and impartially.

It is vitally important that the Gardaí have the trust of the community. That trust has been won and maintained by generations of individual Gardaí just like you performing their duties to the highest standards.

I have no doubt that, as Gardaí serving in the community, you will maintain the proud traditions of An Garda Síochána and strengthen the links with those communities and enhance their respect and support for the Force.

Let courtesy, common sense and integrity be your guiding principles and the support of your local community will be assured. That support is vital to the functioning of An Garda Síochána.

As Gardaí embarking on a challenging career, I want you to know that as Minister I am strongly committed to providing you with the support and the resources necessary to enable you to fulfill your role.

Even in these very difficult economic times, where no sector can be immune from the pressure to reduce costs, I am determined to secure the maximum possible level of resources for the Force. As we face tough economic challenges I am determined that the first priority will continue to be frontline policing and the fight against crime. As Minister I will continue to provide the support you need, in terms of investment in resources, policies and legislation, to carry out your work effectively.

Before I conclude, I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the staff of the Garda College. Their dedication and commitment, which is reflected in the high standard of training received by the Gardaí graduating from the College, deserve the highest praise.

Finally, I would like to congratulate you all once again on your achievement and to wish you all success, satisfaction and fulfilment in your future careers, and I hope that you all enjoy the rest of this memorable day.

Go raibh míle maith agaibh.