Garda association says force numbers lower than claimed

RANK and file gardaí said Garda numbers have been “systematically” cut to 13,500 — more than 1,000 less than the strength claimed by the Government.

The Garda Representative Association (GRA) accused Justice Minister Dermot Ahern of being “disingenuous” in stating the size of the force.

GRA general secretary PJ Stone said the hit to garda numbers comes at a time when the profile of Garda reservists is being pushed throughout the force.