AN GARDA Síochána has issued a detailed statement defending its "intercultural" policy where the wearing of religious dress is concerned.
This follows an accusation by the Irish Hijab Campaign that the Garda had reneged on a 2003 position that would have allowed Muslim women who were gardaí to wear the hijab.
In a detailed response to The Irish Times on the issue, Supt Kevin O'Donoghue, head of Garda press and public relations, said: "The Garda Síochána has, historically, been seen as providing an impartial police service, policing all sections of society equally.
"Accommodating variations to our standard uniform and dress, including those with religious symbolism, may well affect that traditional stance and give an image of An Garda Síochána which the commissioner feels the public would not want."
He continued: "The Garda Commissioner has set the required standards of dress and behaviour for An Garda Síochána and these standards are binding on all members of the organisation.
"Within the principles of an intercultural approach, An Garda Síochána is not advocating one religious belief over another, nor are we, in any way, being racist. We are attempting to . . . retain an image of impartiality while providing a State service to all citizens.
"The decisions regarding our integration policy, including that of the wearing of a turban, were not made on a whim, but rather following extensive research and consultations."
The Garda said it had yet to decide on its policy on the wearing of religious symbols such as crucifixes, ashes and pioneer pins.
Addressing the background to this he said: "In March 2006, the Garda Commissioner established a group to examine the issues relating to integration of religious and ethnic minorities into An Garda Síochána and the development of appropriate supports. That group undertook substantial research and engaged in a wide consultation process."
He said the Garda had made many advances in the area, including:
• changing entry requirements to the organisation to allow and encourage those of different backgrounds and cultures to qualify for membership;
• the establishment of the Garda Racial and Intercultural Office in 2001 to oversee and advise on these issues;
• the appointment of more than 500 Garda ethnic liaison officers to implement the integration policies at the front line;
• the rolling out of a training package, "Diversity Works", across the organisation to increase awareness of diversity issues;
• the undertaking of a human rights audit of Garda practices, policies, processes and procedures;
• the implementation of an action plan across the organisation to address the criticisms of the audit; and
• the provision of spiritual and pastoral care across a number of religions to Garda members.