Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I accept that recruitment is ongoing, and we welcome that. However, considering where we were in 2010 and where we are now, Garda numbers have nosedived in the intervening six years. We have 56 fewer gardaí than we had in 2010. When we talk about recruitment, we must assess the locations in which Garda numbers have dropped more dramatically than elsewhere. When we make appointments and observe where we need to target Garda numbers, we must consider areas not only in the context of the overall numbers but also in terms of the challenges within those areas and what is required for the manpower and resourcing of An Garda Síochána. I accept that recruitment is ongoing. It is important, however, that these recruits, when they complete their training, are deployed in the areas where they are most needed. This is based on a number of assessments, not just a drop in Garda numbers but also the overall demand on officers in these areas.

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