Sinn Féin proposes €200 a week boost for Garda trainees and a 'rejoining bonus'

The party has also proposed introducing a €2,500 grant paid to gardaí who complete 30 years in the force, at an annual cost of €2.52m

Sinn Féin’s spokesperson on justice, Matt Carthy, said: 'It is very possible the second Garda training college will be required into the future.' Photo: SAM BOAL/Collins Photos

Sinn Féin has proposed boosting the weekly Garda training allowance by over €200 as well as introducing a "rejoining bonus" and a long-term service award in a bid to address the Garda recruitment and retention crisis.

As reported by the Irish Examiner earlier this month, the Government is set to miss its Garda recruitment targets again this year by nearly 400. It is on track to recruit just 622 gardaí this year.