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Minister Jim O'Callaghan welcomes the attestation of 206 new Gardaí
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- 206 probationer Gardaí have been assigned to Garda divisions across the country
- This is the third attestation of Gardaí this year as ongoing recruitment continues to increase Garda numbers
- Largest single attestation class since 2019
- The allocation of newly attested Gardaí will provide more resources for frontline policing services and support EU Presidency policing operations
- Over 200 new trainees are due to enter the Garda College next week
24 July 2026
Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O’Callaghan has welcomed the attestation of 206 new Gardaí at the Garda College in Templemore today.
The new probationer Gardaí will be assigned to Garda Divisions across the country by the Garda Commissioner. 142 men and 64 women attested today.
Speaking at the attestation ceremony, Minister O’Callaghan said:
“I am extremely pleased that 206 Gardaí graduate today in Templemore and they will now be assigned to stations across the country. This is one of the largest groups to attest in recent years and builds on the steady stream of graduates from the Garda College.
“Our priority is to grow the Garda workforce to protect and support our communities. These new Gardaí attesting today will have a real and tangible effect on our streets and in our communities. With recruitment moving at a strong pace, I look forward to An Garda Síochána expanding further throughout this year.”
94 probationer Gardaí will be deployed across the Dublin Metropolitan Region, with 25 assigned to the Southern Region, 56 to the Eastern Region and 31 to the North-Western Region.
Minister O’Callaghan added:
“I want to congratulate each of our new recruits and thank them for making the decision to join An Garda Síochána. They are making a personal commitment to public service and to keeping our communities safe."
In relation to Ireland's Presidency of the European Union, Minister O’Callaghan added:
“This is a unique opportunity to demonstrate the professionalism and capability of our police service on a European stage. Months of planning, coordination and preparation by An Garda Síochána have gone into ensuring the smooth running of our EU Presidency. It also provides Ireland with the opportunity to shape cooperation in European policing at a time when organised crime, cybercrime and security threats continue to grow.”
ENDS…///
Notes to Editors
Three Garda recruitment campaigns have been held in the last eighteen months. Over 15,000 people applied to enter An Garda Síochána.
This latest attestation builds on the steady pipeline of new recruits, who will continue to enter the College at regular intervals throughout the year.
The government is committed to building stronger, safer communities, and strengthening An Garda Síochána is at the core of that. This is reflected in the unprecedented allocation of over €2.74 billion to An Garda Síochána in Budget 2026. This funding allows for the continued recruitment of Garda members and staff.
Strength of An Garda Síochána (24 July 2026)
- 14,733 Sworn Gardaí
- 3,683 Garda Staff
- 304 Garda Reserves
- 604 Garda Trainees