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He said the relaxation of the Irish language requirement, which will allow new recruits to learn the language during their training instead, would not damage the language.

The level of Irish language training will be finalised in consultation with Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Minister Eamon O’Cuiv.

Mr McDowell said the standard would be more ‘Buntus Cainte’ (an old Irish primary school book) than ‘cupla focail’ (couple of words).