Mayor welcomes recruitment of new gardaí

Mayor of Clare, Joe Arkins, has welcomed the announcement by Justice Minister Alan Shatter that recruitment to An Garda Síochána is to recommence shortly, with the recruitment of new full-time members to the force.

Mayor Arkins, who is chairman of Clare’s Joint Policing Committee, said the recommencement of recruitment will “strengthen the core of the local Garda service and ensure the force is adequately equipped to deal with the needs and demands of the community”.

The mayor noted it is important in any organisation that regular recruitment of younger workers takes place and that it “boosts morale”.

“The community in Clare has always valued law and order and An Garda Síochána. I’m delighted that recruitment of full-time members to An Garda Síochána is set to recommence. As we are all aware, availability of funding across the public sector has been, and remains, severely limited. However, the Minister has recognised the need to ensure that An Garda Síochána is provided with sufficient resources to enable them to provide an effective and efficient policing service,” he explained.

Mayor Arkins added, “Given that there has been no recruitment to the ranks in recent years, flexibility in the allocation of Gardaí has been paramount to ensure that the needs of local communities remain protected.

“These moves were essential to ensure that policing is prioritised under constrained budgetary circumstances. In 2012, €3 million was allocated to the gardaí to ensure their fleet of vehicles was kept up to date and to allow older vehicles to be replaced. This year, a further 5m has been allocated for the same purpose.”

The mayor said he has been contacted by several young people in Clare in relation to careers in An Garda Síochána. He continued, “Obviously any recruitment is a welcome boost for the many young people who are seeking employment.  Arrangements are now being put in place by Minister Shatter with the Commission for Public Service Appointments so that the necessary preparations can commence for the large number of applications expected.”

“The nature of policing is very demanding and the delivery of the garda service and prevention and detection of crime remains of utmost importance.

“I’m delighted to see that garda recruitment has recommended as it will certainly help to ensure the safety of our communities,” Mayor Arkins concluded.