A local Chief Superintendent says it's crucial to "break down the barriers"
that prevent minority communities from joining the gardaí.
As part of a new strategy, Garda recruits will no longer need to be
proficient in both Irish and English to be eligible to join the force.
800 new officers will join the force next year and Justice Minister Helen
McEntee is encouraging minorities, including African Irish and Travellers,
to consider applying for a role.
Over the weekend, gardaí in Cavan and Monaghan embarked on a community
engagement drive that involved visiting Syrian refugee families and
travelling communities.
Alan McGovern, Chief Superintendent of the Cavan-Monaghan garda division,
says events like these can encourage young people from diverse backgrounds
to join the gardaí:
