Ban on Garda recruitment to be lifted by year end

THE embargo on Garda recruitment is to be lifted by the end of the year, Justice Minister Dermot Ahern announced at the graduation of 267 gardaí at Templemore College.

At present there is only one other in-training group at the college.

Mr Ahern said it was his priority, with the agreement of the Minister for Finance, to maintain Garda operational strength at a level needed to meet the challenges facing the force.