Over the last five years the budget for the Garda Síochána has increased by 60% from just under €600 million to €960 million, just short of €1 billion per annum. The current strength of the Garda Síochána is at an all time high. We are prioritising Garda recruitment and training to bring Garda numbers to its authorised strength of 12,200 as soon as possible. The Government is committed to expanding the size of the force to 14,000 and to promoting change and reform.