McDowell claims Garda numbers over 14,000

The number of gardaí and recruits in training stands at over 14,000 for the first time since the foundation of the force in 1922, the Minister for Justice Michael McDowell

claimed today.

Speaking at the inauguration of the latest class of recruits in Templemore today, Mr McDowell said it was a "red letter" day in the history of the force.

"The recruitment of so many members, within such a tight timescale, has been an enormous logistical challenge, and I want to congratulate An Garda Síochána, and all those who have worked with them, on this achievement," he said.

Mr McDowell highlighted the changes to the force including the raising of the maximum recruitment age from 26 to 35 years and the dropping of the mandatory requirement of the Irish language as opening up the an Garda Síochána to minority and ethnic groups.

Garda Representative Association (GRA) President John Egan said: "While the association welcomes the new members to the force, the Minister's preoccupation with Garda numbers has not been complemented with decisive action on equipment, accommodation and the state of morale within the force.

"What we need is a more enlightened approach to resource planning within an Garda Síochána that delivers an index-linked capital investment programme that allows both the existing Garda force and its new recruits the ability and the tools to deliver the policing service that the Irish people deserve."

Fine Gael Justice spokesman Jim O'Keeffe called Mr McDowell's claims of 14,000 gardaí

"ridiculous".

Mr O'Keeffe said: "the Justice Minister is massaging the figures, and deluding himself, by claiming the Government has reached its target of putting in place an extra 2,000 gardaí to bring the Force up to 14,000 members".

"Trainee nurses, doctors or teachers are not counted in statistics relating to those areas of public service, and neither should trainee gardaí.

"The reality is that last year more than 350 gardaí took early retirement, so there will not be 2,000 extra gardaí on the street, this year, next year or the year after that," Mr O'Keeffe added.