Collapse in number of Garda recruits with just 94 hired this year

The Garda passing out parade in Templemore in July. Justice Minister Helen McEntee told the Dáil there were 24 recruits, as of September 30, and that a further 70 new trainees are expected in November and December. Picture: Brendan Gleeson

Just over 90 Garda recruits will be taken on for the whole of 2022, Justice Minister Helen McEntee has confirmed.

It marks a 75% collapse on numbers achieved in 2021, when 385 people entered the college in Templemore, and compares to a target of 800 recruits for 2022.