Following a request from French authorities, An Garda Síochána has received approval to send members to France for the Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games, taking place in July, August, and September.

The events will attract supporters from around the world, including thousands of Irish fans.

Garda headquarters in Phoenix Park confirmed the deployment on Monday.

In a statement, Garda management announced that “an internal competition has commenced” to select members for this deployment, with further details to be announced in due course.

While in France, Garda members will patrol in uniform alongside French police officers and assist in investigating complaints or offences involving Irish nationals, particularly in fan zones and other areas.

An Garda Síochána has previously sent members to major sporting events, including eight Gardaí for the Rugby World Cup in France last year.

According to the UK’s National Police Chiefs’ Council, around 35,000 police and gendarmes will be mobilized daily during the games, with up to 45,000 on duty for the opening ceremony on July 26th.