Christmas Message from the Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee T.D., to the Garda Síochána Retired Members Association
It is my honour and privilege as Minister for Justice to wish the members of the Garda Síochána Retired Members Association a merry Christmas and peaceful New Year.
Even in this strangest of years, I do hope you are keeping safe and enjoying a happy and healthy retirement after your committed service to communities nationwide as members of An Garda Síochána.
The absolutely tireless work carried out by members of An Garda Síochána, this year and every year, again proves the point that it is the people that make An Garda Síochána the organisation that it is. But I must make special mention of the contribution of current Garda members and staff, who have been part of the heroic frontline response to this dreadful pandemic. We are so lucky to have a professional, dedicated, and determined team in An Garda Síochána and I would like to wish them well, particularly as they work over this very different Christmas period.
The Garda Síochána Retired Members Association remains a vital part of the police family. It offers the networks, friendships and support of colleagues and families that we all need. I thank the dedicated members of the Association for their hard work over the last year to maintain, strengthen and celebrate those bonds.
Of course, at this time of year it is natural that we think of those who are no longer with us. Over the festive season I join with you in remembering those members of An Garda Síochána who have passed away in 2020 and earlier years, whether after they had retired or whilst they were serving.
We remember particularly Detective Garda Colm Horkan, who was tragically killed in the line of duty last June.
As 2020 finally comes to a close and we look forward to a fresh start in 2021, my focus as Minister for Justice is to continue to work with Commissioner Harris and his management team to deliver on the commitments in ‘A Policing Service for our Future’ in order to modernise the work of An Garda Síochána. There have again been record levels of investment from Government, particularly in relation to ICT, and I know that An Garda Síochána will continue to build on the high levels of trust that our citizens and communities have in our Gardaí.
2020 has brought significant challenges that we all hope to never see again. But I know that the legacy you and your colleagues built as Gardaí has only been enhanced by current members, who are continuing your work of keeping our country a safe place to live and work.
Nollaig Shona agus Athbhliain faoi Mhaise Daoibh,
Helen McEntee TD
Minister for Justice
