Growing exodus from force as figures reveal almost 600 gardaí leave early

THE growing exodus of gardaí from the force has been sharply underlined by official figures revealing that almost 600 gardaí have decided to leave early.

Garda associations warned there will be fewer gardaí on the beat and fewer experienced officers as a result. Figures released by Justice Minister Dermot Ahern show that 579 gardaí have applied for voluntary retirement to date this year.

This compares with 243 voluntary retirements in 2008 and 177 in 2007.