The Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O'Callaghan, has attended the attestation ceremony of 193 new Gardaí at the Garda College in Templemore. The latest graduating class consists of 134 men and 59 women who officially join the ranks of An Garda Síochána today.

The new probationer Gardaí have been assigned to divisions across the country by the Garda Commissioner to enhance national security and community safety. The Dublin Metropolitan Region will receive the largest deployment with 141 probationers, while 27 have been assigned to the Eastern Region, 14 to the Southern Region, and 11 to the North-Western Region.

This graduation marks the second class to complete their training this year. The pipeline for new recruits remains active, with a further class of over 200 trainees scheduled to enter the Garda College on 4 May. Recruit classes are currently entering the college at intervals of every 11 to 12 weeks.

Minister O'Callaghan also confirmed that a new recruitment competition for An Garda Síochána is set to launch shortly to maintain the momentum of continuous recruitment. Speaking at the ceremony, Minister O'Callaghan said: "I want to congratulate the 193 Gardaí attesting from Templemore today. This is the second graduation class this year. Today's class of new Gardai builds on the numbers that are now regularly graduating from the Garda college which reflects the government's commitment to continuous recruitment.

"We are focused on increasing the number of Gardaí to ensure the safety and security of our communities. Recruitment is progressing at a strong pace, and I look forward to seeing the numbers of An Garda Síochána continue to grow.

"The newly attested Gardaí will take up positions in communities across the country and many of them will play an important role in high visibility policing. The high-visibility foot patrols are having an impact and making our communities safer. The recent downward trend in crime figures reflects this.

"Today's newly attested gardai will now begin a career of service to their communities, and to the people of Ireland. They join a tradition that stretches back over a century, one built on trust, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to the public they serve.

"I am also very pleased to confirm that a new recruitment competition for An Garda Síochána will be launched shortly and again I expect that there will be a strong interest in this competition."