The National Diploma in Police Studies has been conferred on 311 students of the Garda College in Templemore.
At a ceremony at the college yesterday, the Minister for Justice, Mrs Owen, said policing had become "a far more complex business" than in previous years, and, the diploma course had been designed to give future gardai "the best possible understanding of our changing society".
The ceremony was also attended by the Garda Commissioner, Mr Pat Byrne.
The "Student of the Year Award", with a medal and a cheque for £350, was presented to Garda Kevin Swann of Blanchardstown Garda station in Dublin. Garda Barry Butler of Crumlin Garda station in Dublin won the Duais Bhord na Gaeilge award for the most outstanding student in the Irish language. Student gardai spend part of their training working in Garda stations.
The conferring ceremony was the fourth since the Garda college was designated a constituent college of the National Council for Educational Awards, the State organisation which validates third level qualifications not awarded by universities.