Number of gardaí set to drop below 13,000 members later this year

Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan has predicted the size of the force will fall below 13,000 later this year — a level at which he predicts there will be difficulties in maintaining existing policing services.

The number of gardaí stands at 13,300 following the retirement of more than 1,200 members since the introduction of a public service recruitment embargo was introduced in 2009.

Mr Callinan said he hoped the recruitment of trainee gardaí could start as soon as possible.