“Just five Gardaí in Meath have opted to take up the public service early retirement scheme out of a force of 310 officers based in the county. That is a rate of retirement of 1.6% as such it is below the national average where the figure is 2.5% of Gardaí choosing to leave the force,” said Hannigan.

Deputy Hannigan said figures released to him show that one Superintendent, two Sergeants and two Gardaí have applied for the voluntary scheme. Meath currently has 310 serving Garda offices and 27 Garda reserves.

“The Government is committed to maintaining frontline services and that includes the services of An Garda Síochána. This does not mean keeping staff numbers at the same level. It means using staff for the purpose they have been trained. Trained Gardaí will be released from back office administration duties to perform frontline police services. They will be replaced in administration by redeploying public servants from other areas,” said Hannigan.

The Labour Deputy praised the work carried out by the Garda force in the county.

“The Gardaí provide us with a sterling service and I would like to take this opportunity to wish those who are leaving the force well in the future,” he said.