Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Farrell for raising this issue. He will be familiar with the work we are doing to provide funding for 1,000 new gardaí this year. We are seeing Garda recruits enter Templemore every 11 weeks. However, I agree completely with the Deputy on mandatory retirement. People who could carry on their current or any other post within the sector effectively have to retire. We have also seen issues with regard to civilian personnel who are about to retire, and some of those posts have not been replaced. I have seen that in our district and others the Deputy will know. It is important for us as a Government that we continue to see an increase in Garda numbers and ensure our towns, villages and cities are properly policed. I will raise the matter directly with the Minister for Justice, Deputy Helen McEntee, on the Deputy's behalf.

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