Posted on April 5, 2019

Gardai Will Allow Hijabs And Turbans to Be Worn As Part of Their Uniform in a Bid To Increase Diversity

Gavin O'Callaghan, Irish Mirror, April 4, 2019

Gardai will allow hijabs and turbans to be worn as part of their uniform, it has been announced.

Commissioner Drew Harris revealed the landmark uniform revamp in a bid to attract more people from minority backgrounds.

Turbans will be permitted for members of the Sikh community and the hijab for members of the Muslim community.

It comes as part of the An Garda Siochana’s latest recruitment campaign, as officials look to increase the size of the force from 14,161 to 15,000 by 2021, Dublin Live reports.

Commissioner Harris revealed that they will be launching a campaign to show how everyday skills can transfer across to policing.

He said: “We hope that this will encourage people from minority communities to join An Garda Síochána.

“We want to demonstrate to them that An Garda Síochána is an inclusive employer that is serious about becoming more diverse.”

Harris went on to say that he wants the latest drive to appeal to people who may not have even considered the force previously – and that they want diversity not only in background, but also in skills.”

He said: “We also know that we need to become a much more diverse organisation so that we properly reflect the society we serve.

“That is why our campaign is focusing on people who might not have previously considered a career as a Garda member.

“They have the skills we need for a policing role, but they might not have thought they could transfer those to being a Garda.

“Fundamentally, we are looking for people who thrive on keeping people safe.

“Policing is a highly rewarding career where every day you can make a difference to the lives of individuals and communities.

“We want to encourage people from all walks of life to join us. We are looking for diversity not only in background, but also in skills.”

Garda trainee candidates can apply on www.publicjobs.ie until 3pm on April 24 2019.