Policing Authority: Gardaí constrained from meeting targets due to staff shortages

The force's 500 new staff positions allowed for 2021 have already been filled, but in light of Covid complications and surging crime in areas such as financial, cyber, and drug crime, more recruitment may be warranted, the report suggested.

Staff and skill shortages are constraining An Garda Síochána's ability to meet key targets, the Policing Authority has warned.

In the authority’s bi-annual Assessment of Policing Performance report, it calls for more focus on the acquisition and development of specific, specialist skills within the force, in conjunction with bringing in new recruits.