At least 500 new Gardai are to be recruited next year.
The Justice Minister made the announcement at the Garda College in Templemore today where 94 Gardai graduated.
Middle Ranking Gardai say the force is under-resourced and are calling for money to be ringfenced within the budget to fight crime.
While Frances Fitzgerald would not comment on budgetary matters, the Minister did say recruitment would continue:
