Gardaí set to recruit 250 to the force this year

250 new gardaí are to be recruited this year.

The Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald is expected to announce the measure at the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors' annual conference in Co Meath.

It is understood the new recruits will train at the Templemore Garda College in two batches of 125.

Minister Fitzgerald will address middle ranking gardaí at their gathering later this morning.