Jim O'Callaghan

How much do you want to see for next year?

I want to see as many Gardaí recruited as possible.

And recruitment is going really well now, though, Conall, because I was down in Temple Moor two weeks ago, 193 new Gardaí passed out, 200 went in.

So we're consistently seeing now 200 coming in, 200 coming out.

And as well as that, you spoke about retention.

There is not a retention crisis in Angarda Seacona.

Like retention crises are when people are resigning from a job.

Resignations from Angarda Seacona are less than 1%, which is unprecedented when you compare, say, the PSNI or forces in the UK.

Yeah, I think we do need it.

And, you know, it's commendable that they haven't been used that frequently.

But I am aware... Then why do we need them?

Because Gardaí are being attacked.

We saw in August last year a very serious attack on a guard in Capel Street.

Very serious attack on a guard.

And, you know, I'm not prepared to allow a situation develop where an attack like that can happen and a Garda is dependent upon his pepper spray or his baton.

So in certain instances, I think it is appropriate that tasers are available to a Garda Síochána.

My top priority is to ensure that they are protected in the work that they are doing.

And the Garda, they have a really outstanding international record, actually, in terms of community policing.

Because

Guardi police the community through the consent, through discussion.