The head of the garda inspectorate, Kathleen O'Toole, has warned that the possibility of arming gardaí may have to be considered if current levels of crime detection continue.
She said the type of crime here was shifting and the emergence of gangs involved in guns and drugs, was very troubling.
Ms O'Toole said she was not surprised by the findings of the Morris Tribunal into Garda corruption but was surprised that nobody was disciplined.
She also said that applicants for the Garda Reserve should be properly screened and their roles clearly defined.
