Letters to the Editor: Worrying decline in number of gardaí

'This shortfall in Garda personnel has been going on for years yet no one in government or in Dàil Éireann has the bravery to challenge what is widely known.'

What more proof is needed when an analysis of staffing level of Garda stations around the country shows that there was a drop of 23.4% — and up to 30% in some cases — in 133 garda stations out of 560.

That we have no fewer than 42 stations without any permanent garda attached to them is worrying but not surprising given the high-level of resignations (190), suspensions (115) and early retirements (340) of personnel.