Almost 170 more gardaí left than joined force in last four years

270 gardaí left within five years of joining during the period 2021 to April 2025.

Almost 170 more gardaí left the force than joined it over the last four years, new figures show.

Last year was the first time in that period where more sworn gardaí graduated than departed from the force.

Separate figures show that 270 gardaí left the force within five years of joining during the same years, 2021 to April 2025, most of them in resignations.

Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan said the Government is committed to recruiting 5,000 gardaí over five years.

He pointed to a "noticeable increase" in Garda visibility in Dublin city centre, but accepted that "more gardaí" are needed in Cork City.

In response to a parliamentary question from Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín, Mr O’Callaghan said 1,821 gardaí had left since 2021: 1,259 in retirements and 562 in resignations.

In the same time period, 1,654 gardaí attested from Templemore College and joined the organisation, 167 less than left.

Broken down by year, the figures show:

• 2021: 388 left the force, while 148 joined;
• 2022: 449 left, 370 joined;
• 2023: 488 left, 388 joined;
• 2024: 382 left, 599 joined;
• 2025: 114 left, 149 joined. 

Mr O’Callaghan said 2,074 recruits had entered the college as students (intakes) since 2021, with numbers lower in the covid years of 2021 and 2022, but increasing to 746 in 2023, dipping to 631 in 2024.

He said 201 students entered in the first intake of this year, in March, the highest number since before covid.

Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan said the Government is committed to recruiting 5,000 gardaí over five years. Picture: Colin Keegan/Collins Dublin

The justice minister said there is strong interest in joining the gardaí, with almost 6,800 applicants for the latest round, last February. He said the commissioner plans to run a second competition later this year.

Separate figures show that 271 gardaí resigned from the force since 2021, reaching a height of 68 resignations in 2023.

Mr O'Callaghan said the total number of resignations is still low by international standards, with An Garda Síochána rates of 1-2% comparing to 10% in Britain.

He said a total of four intakes into Templemore College are planned for 2025.

The minister said his first priority is to improve Garda visibility on the streets and that maintaining it has improved in Dublin.

He told Fianna Fáil TD for Cork South Central Seamus McGrath he wants to do the same in Cork City.

“I am aware of the issue in Cork. We need more gardaí on the streets in Cork," he said.