Call for increase in garda numbers

Middle-ranking gardaí are calling for the strength of the force to be increased to “minimal numbers of 14,000”, more than 1,000 in excess of those available.

Representatives are also seeking backing from colleagues to requests that uniformed gardaí be allowed to carry firearms.

The calls are being made at the annual conference of the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors, which represents around 2,000 supervisory officers.