Sinn Féin spokesperson on Justice, Pa Daly TD, has today accused the government of not going far enough in their new Garda recruitment campaign.

Teachta Daly said:

“The latest Garda recruitment campaign is a crucial one, with resignations at historic highs and recruitment targets continually missed. I understand the latest group were merely given an induction session before Christmas, meaning they counted towards the new recruits for that year, despite not substantively starting their training until this month.

“News of the increased training allowance, which we called for in our Alternative Budget, and the raising of the upper age limit are important developments. We are still awaiting the publication of the Garda Reserve regulations, which would help to support members and government policies in housing continue to cause challenges for retention and recruitment.

“On a related note, the closure of the advertisement for a Deputy Garda Commissioner responsible for security and combating organised crime is of major concern. This is an incredibly important position and for it to be left vacant is not acceptable.

“The government has been in denial about Garda morale, from the bottom to the top of the organisation. There needs to be a fresh direction within the Justice Ministry, and Fine Gael are tired and rudderless having held the brief for 13 years now.”