An extra 800 gardaí are to be hired and trained in 2017, Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Paschal Donohoe has announced.
The Government had promised to increase the number of gardaí to 15,000.
An extra €28m has been included in today's Estimates to help achieve that target.
The Government, Mr Donohoe said, is committed to a five-year reform and investment strategy for the gardaí.
Under this, a phased increase in resource levels will go together with the implementation of a "far reaching programme of organisational reform".
There will also be accelerated recruitment for civilian staff.
Funding is also being included to support the "continuation of key operations by An Garda Síochána in response to gangland and rural crime," he said.
Fianna Fáil Justice Spokesperson Jim O'Callaghan welcomed the announcement of recruitment in the garda force.
He said that a "strengthened garda presence is critical for the safety of our communities".
But he said that "significant reform" is needed in the force, as well as investment.
"The 2015 Garda Inspectorate report raised a number of concerns that remain to be adequately addressed by the minister," he added.
