People in minority and new Irish communities have been urged to think about a career in the gardai after a new recruitment drive was announced.
The new trainee recruitment drive will begin in early 2022 and is the first major initiative since 2019.
The Government has confirmed that it plans on recruiting an additional 800 gardai and 400 garda staff in an effort to increase diversity in the force.
The candidates who are successful will be placed on a panel which they are drawn from when required by the gardai and the Garda Commissioner.
Speaking at the announcement, Minister for Justice Helen McEntee said: "As Minister for Justice, protecting communities and supporting victims is my absolute priority, and the Government’s support for An Garda Siochana reflects that commitment."
"The greatest strength of An Garda Siochana is its bond with the communities it serves. Our own national life has been greatly enriched by so many new communities of different origin in recent decades."
Certain requirements for new gardai are also set to be removed.
This includes the requirement for gardai to be proficient in two languages which may be acting as a barrier to a more diverse workforce.
Proficiency in one language will now be the requirement and it can be either Irish or English.
A new Irish Language Strategy has been developed by the gardai and will be launched in early 2022.
