Garda cadets sent home from training for visible tattoos

"A number of Garda recruits have had their positions deferred pending their compliance with the Uniform and Dress Code within An Garda Siochana. "An Garda Siochana Uniform and Dress Code is published on the Garda website and details provided in the Recruitment Candidate Information Booklet."

The booklet states that tattoos on the face and above the collar aren't permitted and all other tattoos must be covered "in order to retain a professional image." None of the three recruits have resigned or been sacked. The incident happened this month among the current recruitment crisis involving An Garda Síochána, which has piled further pressure on Commissioner Drew Harris. Minister for Justice Helen McEntee announced a new funding package of up to €10 million to provide for extra garda visibility on the streets on the back of a number of high profile incidents in Dublin. The package will go towards extra garda hours and shifts until the end of the year.