There needs to be an increase in garda numbers as the demands on the force grow, according to Garda Commissioner Drew Harris.
Speaking at the launch of the new garda uniform, Mr Harris said that An Garda Síochána is under considerable strain, because of the various demands it has to meet across a wide range of policing areas.
Gardaí are currently recruiting to bring the number of sworn members up to 15,000 and the number of staff up to 4,000.
Mr Harris said he expects those new recruits will enable the organisation to deal better with the challenges it faces in many areas including anti-social behaviour, international organised crime groups, cyber security and fraud, as well as ongoing threats to the security of the State.
However, Mr Harris added that he thinks that staffing levels, which were set years ago, will not be adequate for policing in this decade.
He added that he is in constant discussion with the Department of Justice on the issue of resourcing.
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His comments come as the Policing Authority noted An Garda Síochana's "sustained success in tackling Organised Crime Groups" in its July report.
The report cites positive trends in seizures of drugs, currency and firearms and the disruption to the activities of an organised crime group.
However, it adds that "challenges persist in respect of key enabling functions, including human resources, workforce planning, training, information and technology, estate management and finance".
