An Garda Síochána commemorated the 60th anniversary of women joining as Garda members at an event in Farmleigh in Dublin today.
In July 1959, following a long-running campaign by civic groups and with the support of the then Garda Commissioner and Government, 12 women joined An Garda Siochana and were allocated to Pearse Street Station. Since then, women have made a crucial contribution to the organisation as well as society.
Speaking today, Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said, “Sixty years ago these pioneers of policing in Ireland took the brave and honorable step of becoming a Garda and, in doing so, not only helped protect the communities they served, but also inspired many other women to follow in their footsteps.
We have come a long way since the first 12 women joined An Garda Síochána in July 1959. Female representation within the ranks of An Garda Síochána is strong. Women perform duty across the whole range of operational units and bureaus. Every day the women of An Garda Síochána make a positive difference to individuals and the communities this organisation serves across the country and further afield.”
There are currently 3,780 females making up 27% of Garda members. This is above the European average for female representation within police services. In addition, 26% of the Garda reserve are female and 76% of Garda staff are also female. (Figures on female representation are correct as of 31st May 2019.)
Commissioner Harris continued, “We have more to do. Not only do we need to encourage more women to join An Garda Síochána, we also need to continue to give female Gardaí the encouragement and support to apply for specialist units, detective duties and promotion so we can continue to increase female representation across An Garda Síochána.”
As part of this, Commissioner Harris said An Garda Síochána would be establishing a Women’s Network to support and encourage women in the advancement of their careers in the organisation.
The Network was chaired by Chief Superintendent Margaret Nugent. The event in Farmleigh was attended by some of those first 12 female Gardaí, as well as women who have served in An Garda Síochána over the last 60 years.
The event included a speech from Commissioner Harris, a presentation on the history of women in An Garda Síochána, a panel discussion, and guest speaker Ms Ellen O’Malley Dunlop, Chairperson of the National Women’s Council of Ireland.
