McDowell can’t meet Garda targets, says FG

Fine Gael has claimed that there is no way the Minister for Justice, Michael McDowell, can meet his targets on Garda recruitment.

Minister McDowell is expected to details plans for 2,000 additional gardaí tomorrow.

But Fine Gael's Justice spokesman, Jim O'Keeffe, said the target was unrealistic considering the current rate of employing 81 extra gardaí a year, and taking into account that people are leaving the force every year for natural reasons.

Deputy O'Keeffe is tabling a number of proposals on the issue including a proposal gardaí with desk jobs should be put back on the beat.