Micheál Martin becomes first Taoiseach to attend PSNI passing-out ceremony

Taoiseach Micheál Martin will attend a passing-out ceremony for PSNI Student Officers in Belfast, making him the first Taoiseach to do so.

Around 40 new officers will attend, along with PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher and Secretary of State Chris Bryant.

This week is the 25th anniversary of the PSNI replacing the RUC, as part of the Good Friday Agreement.

Micheál Martin spoke ahead of the ceremony, saying: “I look forward to extending my congratulations to all the new Constables being conferred at today’s attestation ceremony. This is a proud day for them and their families, and I wish the new officers every success in their policing careers.

"I am also pleased to be in Belfast for today’s ceremony as we 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 cooperation across our jurisdictions, and harnessing the full potential of the Good Friday Agreement.”

When first established, the PSNI had a 50:50 rule for recruitment, which meant that half of recruits must be catholic. This rule ended in 2011, but the current number of catholics sits at around 30%.