Garda recruitment figures hit three-year low
Fine Gael Spokesperson on Justice, Jim O'Keefe, has expressed surprise at Garda recruitment figures that show a three-year low in 2004.
Numbers show that only 58 more recruits were hired than those that retired in the past year.
The Fine Gael TD pointed out that while Garda retirements during 2004 were at an all-time high of 460, recruitment levels slumped in the same period.
"The short-term situation in the Gardaí does not look good," he said.
"In 2004, only 518 gardaí have been recruited. This is down significantly from 687 in the previous year," he continued.
Interest in the recently placed advertisements suggests there is significant public interest in joining the force.
But he said: "Not one of the 1,100 or so gardaí to be recruited during 2005 will be on the streets anytime soon.
"By the time these gardaí hit the streets and make any impact at all, it will be 2007 at the earliest," he concluded.
