Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I do not have immediate figures for the numbers of gardaí currently out sick. I would be keen to ensure there would not be any particular spike in that area without there being a corresponding reason. Having regard to the fact that since the Garda college in Templemore has re-opened, 1,400 newly recruited members of the Garda Síochána have been put to work on the streets. That process will continue apace. Next year there will be 800 recruits. I mentioned in my statement the importance of noting the introduction of the new recruits and retirements within the Garda Síochána. This year, the number of retirements is somewhat less than in other years. The number is usually approximately 300 but we are heading to the end of November and the figure is in the region of 270. This is also taken into account in the context of the allocation of resources.