Unions sceptical over Shatter’s force strength assurances

Middle-ranking gardaí are “convinced” the Government wants to cut force numbers “well below” the 13,000 minimum set by Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan.

The Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors expressed bafflement at public statements by Justice Minister Alan Shatter yesterday when he rejected reports that garda numbers would be axedby up to 1,400 this year following a substantial cut in funding to the force.

Such a cut would bring the strength of the force from its current level of 13,400 to 12,000. Garda numbers stood at 14,500 at the beginning of 2011, but have been cut as part of the troika agreement.