Mayo TD slams 'hollow recruitment goals' set for An Garda Siochána

A Mayo TD has strongly criticised the government’s plan to recruit 5,000 new gardaí over the next five years, describing it as a "smoke-and-mirrors" strategy that ignores the real issues facing the force.

According to Deputy Lawless, the recruitment numbers are not the problem—it’s the lack of appeal in joining and staying in the force that needs urgent attention.

"Announcing plans to recruit 5,000 gardaí is like promising a feast without food. The problem isn’t the target; it’s getting recruits to sign up and stay," Lawless said.

"Templemore Garda Training College has been running below capacity for years. The Garda Commissioner himself admitted that it’s not about the money—it’s about making the job appealing. Until we fix that, no target will hit the mark."

Deputy Lawless highlighted the key issues driving gardaí away: low morale, excessive bureaucracy, and being stuck behind desks rather than out on the streets.

"We’re seeing Gardaí bogged down with paperwork instead of patrolling our communities. The result? Low morale and dwindling numbers in regular units.

"It’s no wonder 98.7% of Gardaí voted no confidence in the Commissioner."

In a recent meeting, Lawless questioned the Garda Commissioner about the overwhelming no-confidence vote from the force. The response was alarming.

"There’s been no analysis, no action. The Commissioner admitted nothing has been done to address the rank-and-file concerns. Without addressing these, the government can promise 10,000 Gardaí, and it still won’t matter."

Deputy Lawless pointed to the decline in the gardaí as a family tradition, a once-respected role now seen as a job to avoid.

"It used to be a badge of honour passed through generations. Now, recruits are being warned off by their own family members in the force, telling them: ‘Stay away, it’s not worth it.’"

He also cast doubt on the feasibility of training 1,000 gardaí per year.

"Templemore’s capacity to train at that level is questionable. This isn’t about throwing numbers into a plan and hoping for the best. It’s about fixing what’s broken within the system."

Deputy Lawless emphasised the urgent need for more gardaí, more full-time garda stations, and the resources required to effectively combat crime.

"If we want to win the war on crime, we need more boots on the ground, more garda stations open full-time, and the proper resources to back them.

"In Mayo we need more fulltime Garda stations in places like Ballinrobe and Ballyhaunis but until the government focuses on addressing the problem of recruitment and retention these problems won't be solved.

"They are not looking for the solutions instead of working on sound bites."

Deputy Lawless concluded with a sharp critique of the government’s approach.

"This is kite-flying at its worst—setting lofty goals without addressing the grounded issues. If we want more gardaí, we need to tackle what’s driving them away. Otherwise, these recruitment promises are just hot air."

Deputy Paul Lawless called on the government to shift from empty promises to real reforms, addressing the core issues within the garda force to ensure a secure, well-staffed future for policing in Ireland