Jack Chambers said gardaí play a critical role in ensuring people around the country remain safe

Funding to recruit 1,000 gardaí, bringing force to 15,000

06 Oct 2026, 13:50 · RTE.ie

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Jack Chambers has said he is allocating funding to recruit up to 1,000 trainee gardaí, bringing the force to over 15,000 next year.

In today's Budget speech, Mr Chambers also announced a package of €1.6 billion for the Department of Defence, an increase of almost 9%.

This will provide for 850 new permanent defence force members as well as increases for Air Corps and naval service equipment.

National Development Plan funding of €340 million will also support the new delivery of new helicopters and the military radar programme, the Minister stated.

That funding will also support investment in maritime surveillance and cyber security, as well as the modernisation and upgrade of military installations throughout the country.

Mr Chambers said gardaí play a critical role in ensuring people around the country remain safe.

A €5.9bn allocation for the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration will also provide for €75m for the prison service.

€5.3m is to be allocated for Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence initiatives, including additional funding for CUAN.

Additionally, there will be an increase of €13.5m for the Courts service, with €11.5m in additional funding for youth justice initiatives.