The Garda Síochána yesterday rejected claims that its decision to ban the turban from its official uniform was religiously or racially motivated.
Instead, in a detailed statement approved by Garda Commissioner Noel Conroy, it said the decision to adopt a uniform dress code was aimed at retaining an "image of impartiality" while providing a service to all citizens.
"The Garda Síochána has, historically, been seen as providing an impartial police service, policing all sections of society equally. By accommodating variations to our standard uniform and dress, including those with religious symbolism, it may well affect that traditional stance and give an image of An Garda Síochána which the commissioner feels the public would not want," the statement said
"Within the principles of an intercultural approach, An Garda Síochána are not advocating one religious belief over another, nor are we, in any way, being racist. We are attempting to firmly retain an image of impartiality while providing a State service to all citizens."
The statement said the decision on the turban was not made on a whim. Rather, it followed extensive research and consultations with various groups over the last year.
It said a modern, energetic approach was required to integrate diverse populations into a common, liberal culture. Within this approach, the Garda said it had taken many common-sense measures.
These included changing its entry requirement to encourage people from different cultural and ethnic background to qualify for membership; appointing 500 Garda ethnic liaison officers; and increasing awareness of diversity within the force.
The statement signalled, however, that the decision to ban the turban may be liable to change in the future.
"To effectively achieve integration of many cultures into a single organisation, will require a very fluid approach, and policies and practices will be altered and adjusted where appropriate."
Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern yesterday expressed support for the Garda's decision, insisting that foreign nationals who arrive into Ireland need to "assimilate" into Irish culture and society.
Mr Ahern said it was important that people who "come to our country have to assimilate into our own culture and our own norms in society. I think that, rather than sectionalise people within organisations, it's far better that they would form part of that system.
"It's important that, as we move forward, to ensure we learn from the mistakes of others in relation to the whole issue of integration. It's something we're coming a little bit later to."
His comments triggered criticism from groups representing foreign nationals in Ireland, who say Mr Ahern's position is at odds with the Government's integration policy as set out in the National Action Plan on Racism.
This says that integration is a two-way process in which newcomers and the host society should take reasonable steps to accommodate one other.
Harpreet Singh, president of the Irish Sikh Council, said he was disappointed by the comments, and said the efforts to broker a compromise with the Garda would continue.
"This issue is not about foreigners coming here. This is a global religion, one of the largest in the world. There are many Irish migrants in the US, for example, who have converted to Sikhism. Will they face the same barriers if they return home?
"On the one hand, the Government has spoken about bringing more people from new communities into the Garda. And, on the other hand, they say they will not allow use of the turban. They are pushing communities like ours into a corner."
He said the Irish Sikh Council was seeking a meeting with Minister for Justice Brian Lenihan to discuss the issue.
