Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In terms of the overall numbers, we knew we would most likely see a drop. We have gone below 14,000, but we are now in a position where that is steadying. After the next intake, we will most likely be in a position where we will be above 14,000 again. We are moving in the right direction.

The closure in the Garda College during Covid-19, as well as the fact that we are coming into a period where many members are retiring - simply because it is their time to do so and because they want to - we have been left with the significant drop we have seen in the past year. However, given the steady flow of numbers going through the college - the most recent intakes were 135 and 174, respectively - I am confident that we will have a significant number again, even within the next week. I am also confident that we will have a higher number again by the end of the year.

We always have to look at people’s reasons for leaving. There is an exit interview that takes place for every member who leaves. Those interviews have identified a number of reasons for people leaving. Some of those reasons are definitely personal. However, others relate to the challenges of the job-----

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