Garda numbers hit new low in September 

The Garda Commissioner’s latest monthly report shows that the strength fell from 14,125 at the start of this year to 13,880 at the close of September.

Garda numbers dropped to a new low at the end of September, with a strength of 13,880, including just 11,050 rank and file members.

It brings the overall garda strength to its lowest for more than five years and the number of rank of file gardaí to their lowest in six years.

Compared to then, the general population has grown and the number of specialised garda units, at divisional level and at national bureaus, has expanded, taking more gardaí from the frontline.

The Garda Commissioner’s latest monthly report shows that the strength fell from 14,125 at the start of this year to 13,880 at the close of September.

A batch of 126 new recruits was taken on earlier this month, which will push the figure closer to 14,000, depending on the number of retirements and resignations this month.

A further graduation ceremony at the Garda College in Templemore is expected in December.

An examination of garda figures shows:

• The overall strength in September compares to 14,750 in March 2020 and is the lowest since August 2018 (13,378);
• The number of rank and file gardaí at the end of September (11,050) compares to 12,046 in March 2020, almost 1,000 fewer frontline officers;
• The September figure for the rank of ‘garda’ is the lowest since November 2017 (10,987) 

The report said that 694 recruits have been taken in Templemore College so far this year.

Overtime payments

Overtime payments in part reflect garda numbers available for duty and by the end of September a total of €140.44 million had been spent on overtime — €58.34m above the amount allocated to the organisation.

The excess amount included overtime related to the visit of US President Joe Biden last April.

The report shows that 114 gardaí resigned from the organisation by September this year. This compares to 108 for all of last year, 95 in 2021, and 69 in 2020.

There have been 223 retirements so far this year, compared to 340 for 2022, 293 for 2021, and 250 in 2020.

In Budget 2024 last month, Justice Minister Helen McEntee said funding would allow for the recruitment of between 800 and 1,000 gardaí next year.

An impending industrial relations crisis within the organisation — which threatened strike action among rank and file officers — was averted last month after compromise rosters were proposed.