There has been a 40% drop in the number of gardaí in local drug units in the last eight years — a fall that has continued despite the restarting of recruitment.

Fianna Fáil’s justice spokesman has denied he is learning Irish to increase his chances of becoming party leader.

Fianna Fáil says it is “inexcusable” that top-level Garda positions are left vacant, and urged the Justice Minister and the Policing Authority to fill them promptly.