One hundred garda recruits are beginning their training at the Garda College in Templemore today.
They are the first new members to join the force in more than five years.
They will also be the first to be trained under a new programme designed to foster critical thinking and accountability.
Senior gardaí have expressed concern that the strength of the force has now dropped below 13,000 and the new recruits will not be sufficient to bring the numbers above that figure.
The Government promised 300 gardaí would be recruited but has not said when the remaining 200 will be sanctioned.
