Fleet soon to increase to nine, despite chronic recruitment issues

The strength of the Garda is increasing for the first time as the numbers being recruited exceed those who are retiring.

The Defence Forces are planning to recruit 1,450 personnel in the next two years, and keen to sign-up more women and people from ethnic minorities.

Fitness tests for women seeking a career in the armed forces need to be made less “intimidating”, Defence Minister Simon Coveney has said.