The total strength of the Garda was at 14,064 members at the end of July, 35 lower than at the end of June, and comes after a net fall in numbers last year of 135. Photograph: Ryan Bryne/Inphonumbers fell during the summer months as efforts to increase the size of the force to the Government target of 15,000 continue to falter. There are now fewer sworn Garda members than at the start of last year, despite a recruitment campaign.
In reply to queries, Garda Headquarters said the country was “currently experiencing effective full employment”, as had been the case for several years. “An Garda Síochána is competing in this competitive employment market, as are other public and private employers,” it said.is on record as saying the force needed to reach 15,000 in the short term and then continue to grow to 18,000 to meet modern policing demands caused by a “growing population”.
A new report by Mr Harris to the Policing Authority puts the total strength of the Garda at 14,064 members at the end of July. That was 35 lower than at the end of June, and comes after a net fall in numbers last year of 135. Though numbers have at times climbed higher than this figure in recent years, especially immediately after new classes pass out from the Garda College, they gradually fall back again – through resignations and retirements – by the time the next class graduates. Some of the growth recorded at times over the past 12-18 months is also attributable to factors other than recruitment.