Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 July 2026
423. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of Gardaí who have left the force over the past five years; the number of Gardaí recruited in the same period, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54644/26]
View answerUnder section 33 of the Policing Security and Community Safety Act 2025, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána. This includes the recruitment, training and appointment of members of Garda personnel. The Commissioner is independent in his functions under section 34 of the Act.
An Garda Síochána publishes information in relation to the allocation of Gardaí nationally, including a breakdown of the allocation of newly attested Gardaí to Garda divisions and stations nationwide. Historical data on the allocation of Gardaí from 2015 - 2026 can be found here:
www.garda.ie/en/information-centre/garda-statistics/human%20resources/ .
The table below has been provided to me by the Garda authorities and outlines the number of retirements and resignations from 2022 to May 2026 the latest date for which figures are available.
|
Years |
Cost Neutral Early Retirement |
Compulsory Retirement |
Resignation (Ordinary) |
Voluntary Retirement |
Total |
|
2022 |
1 |
79 |
106 |
260 |
446 |
|
2023 |
8 |
66 |
167 |
245 |
486 |
|
2024 |
6 |
32 |
137 |
202 |
377 |
|
2025 |
4 |
10 |
141 |
204 |
359 |
|
31-May-26 |
2 |
10 |
47 |
54 |
113 |
|
Total |
21 |
197 |
598 |
965 |
1,781 |
Retirement eligibility requires both reaching the minimum retirement age and completing the necessary years of pensionable service. The minimum retirement age is either 50 or 55 years of age (depending on when a person joined), with 30 years service. The compulsory retirement age is currently 62.
