Gardai have launched a new recruitment campaign under the slogan "The Difference Is You".
There are currently 14,539 members of An Garda Siochana and the Government has committed to increase this by 800 this year.
Applications are open from today until March 16 and gardai are looking to "attract candidates from across society and with a wide-variety of skills".
Gardai said they want to "break down some of the barriers" that may have deterred people every ethnicity, minority background, religious identity or none from applying to join the force.
The previous rule that garda recruits had to be proficient in two languages, English and Irish, has been scrapped. Now candidates will only have to be proficient in one language, either English or Irish.
Garda Commissioner, Drew Harris said the campaign will reach out to people in minority communities.
He said: "Being more reflective of the society we serve will enhance our ability to provide an effective police service for all people. While we have one of the highest levels of female police officers in Europe, we fully recognise that this is not replicated when it comes to minority communities.
"There will be a significant focus in our recruitment campaign in reaching out to groups and individuals from these communities to encourage them to join An Garda Síochána. We know we have a lot of work to do in this area.
"An Garda Síochána has long attracted highly capable people to pursue a role in policing, who steadily build up a highly rewarding career in the organisation at various levels. Becoming a Garda is a chance to make a real difference in communities. We want people from all backgrounds to join us and make that difference.
"I am encouraging all those with excellent interpersonal skills or a unique skillset, a strong sense of community and those who are enthusiastic about making a real difference to people’s quality of life, to apply before 3pm Wednesday, March 16th 2022 because the difference is you".
Those interested in applying can do so here.
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