Garda boost as force plans to recruit more than 500 trainees next year

More than 500 trainee gardaí are to be recruited next year, the Government is expected to announce in the coming days.

Tánaiste and Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald

The exact number is being finalised in discussions between the Department of Justice, Department of Public Expenditure, and Garda headquarters.

The Irish Examiner understands the figure will be “in excess” of 500.