Taoiseach attends PSNI passing out event in historic first for an Irish premier
Micheál Martin was at an attestation ceremony for 36 new officers at the police training college in east Belfast.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin has become the first Irish premier to attend a passing out ceremony for new police officers in Northern Ireland.
Mr Martin attended the attestation of 36 new officers at the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s training college at Garnerville in east Belfast on Friday.
The event came at the end of a week that marked the 25th anniversary of the PSNI, which replaced the Royal Ulster Constabulary in 2001 as part of peace process policing reforms.
Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Chris Bryant also attended the ceremony along with PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher.
“I would like to extend my congratulations to all of the new constables conferred at today’s attestation ceremony at the Northern Ireland Police College,” said Mr Martin.
“This is no doubt a proud day for the new officers and their families, and I wish them every success in their policing careers.
“I am especially pleased to mark 25 years since the establishment of the PSNI and the significant achievements made since the Patten Commission.
“The creation of the PSNI was a key part of delivering the Good Friday Agreement and the peace that it made possible.
“The Government of Ireland is committed to building on the achievements of that peace, deepening the co-operation across our jurisdictions, and harnessing the full potential of the Good Friday Agreement.”
Commenting after the event, Mr Boutcher said: “This week the Police Service of Northern Ireland turned 25 and today’s attestation of 36 student officers is a tribute to the dedication and commitment of each of them.
“The officers attested in front of their extremely proud families, they will go out and police the streets of Northern Ireland with a determination to keep everyone safe.
“Our first set of Police Service of Northern Ireland officers entered Garnerville in November 2001 and were part of the new beginning policing.
“Since the inception of the Police Service of Northern Ireland, 25 years ago, over 6,000 officers have taken the same oath, with the first squad attesting on April 5 2002.
“These new officers will be working in districts across the country, working alongside every other officer who has graduated from the Police College in the last 25 years.
“I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate each person who has attested today and wish them every success in their policing career. We should all congratulate and thank each officer for stepping up to be a member of the Police Service of Northern Ireland. Being a police officer is the finest public service anyone can do.”
Chief Constable highlighted that the PSNI had recently launched a fresh recruitment campaign.
“Policing is more than a job – it is a vocation,” he added.
“I hope people in our diverse communities will be inspired by these officers today, and make their own application to join our service.”
Secretary of State Sir Chris added: “I want to warmly congratulate each of the 36 new officers following today’s attestation – a proud moment for them personally, and for their families. Stepping forward into public service requires immense courage, integrity and dedication to the community.
“The 25th anniversary of the PSNI serves as a vital reminder of how important modern, representative and community-based policing is to the peace, stability and prosperity of Northern Ireland.
“The UK Government remains steadfast in its support for the PSNI as it continues to serve the people of Northern Ireland, and I wish every graduate the very best as they begin their service to protect and support all communities.”