Address by Minister of State Mr. John Curran TD
at the Garda Graduation Ceremony
Garda College Templemore
28 January, 2010


Commissioner, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen

I am delighted to be with you today to celebrate the graduation of 258 new members of An Garda Síochána.  The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Dermot Ahern, regrets that he is unable to be here today, but I am pleased to represent him at this ceremony which honours members of one of our most important public service organisations, An Garda Síochána.

I am aware that, for those of you graduating, today is the successful culmination of a very thorough and strenuous training process.  You have shown yourselves worthy and capable of taking your place in a modern police force.  This is a happy day, not only for you but also for your families and friends who have supported you in choosing a career as a member of An Garda Síochána and many of whom are here today.  They can all be justifiably proud of what you have achieved, with their help and support.

Today is a major personal milestone for each graduate.  You 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 of today's graduates 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 sure that you will adhere to the finest traditions of the Force and carry out your duties with respect and courtesy for each person you meet in the course of your work.

Of course, I am very conscious of the many challenges which members of An Garda Síochána face in carrying out their duties.  The Government remains resolutely 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 Minister is determined that, as we continue to manage a very serious financial situation, front line policing will continue to receive first priority in the fight against crime.  

The Minister attaches the highest of priorities to tackling organised crime.  We are all aware of killings arising from the activities of gangland criminals.  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 Minister 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.

The Minister has consistently made it clear that, inevitably, it will take time for the full effects of the legislation to become clear.  The Minister is confident that full use is being made of the legislation and, as the evidence accumulates against individuals, we will see the benefit of this legislation in successful prosecutions.  

The Minister is continuing to bring forward legislative proposals.  Last week he published the Criminal Justice (Forensic Evidence and DNA Database System) Bill.  The Bill provides for the establishment of a DNA Database and marks a major step up in the use of technology in the fight against crime.  The Database will produce quality intelligence that will assist the Gardaí in better focusing their investigations.

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.  You as 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.

I would like to pay tribute to another group of people who have made a vital contribution to today.  I refer, of course, to the staff of the Garda College who continue to deliver training of the very highest standard.  I am sure that today's graduates will bear ample testimony to the quality of their training in the years to come.

In conclusion, I wish you graduates every success in what I am sure will be long and satisfying careers as members of An Garda Síochána.