Issue Date: 1st March 2024
This afternoon, An Garda Síochána has launched its new online Irish language course for Garda personnel. ‘An Fórsa ag Foghlaim’ has been established in partnership with Gaelchultúr, the leading provider of Irish language courses worldwide.
Today’s launch coincides with the first day of Seachtain na Gaeilge.
An Garda Síochána continues to work towards fulfilling the goals set out as part of its Irish Language Strategy 2022-2025. The strategy aims to strengthen Irish-language services within An Garda Síochána and to ensure compliance with statutory language obligations.
This new course which has been designed for B1 and B2 learners under the Common European Framework, follows the successful introduction of the organisation’s first online Irish language resource for beginners in 2022.
In addition to the online resources launched today, two classes (20 students) began their beginner preparatory Irish language course with Gaelchultúr earlier this week while a further 60 students will start their intermediate course with Coláiste na Rinne this spring.
It is anticipated that Garda personnel will begin undertaking the exam for a European Certificate in Irish this year.
Speaking at this afternoon’s launch at Garda Headquarters, Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said, "The launch of these new resources developed by Gaelchultúr mean that we have now a full range of easily accessible courses in place for Garda personnel to either begin learning the Irish language from scratch, or continue strengthening their proficiency for use within their role in An Garda Síochána.
"By enhancing the Irish language proficiency of our workforce, we can significantly improve the delivery of Irish language services in the Irish-speaking communities that we proudly serve. That’s important to us.”
