The justice minister has confirmed that 250 gardaí are to be recruited this year.

It will bring to 550 the number of new recruits to the force since September.

The new recruits will train at the Garda college in Templemore, Co Tipperary this year.

It is understood the new recruits will train in two batches of 125.

Frances Fitzgerald made the nnouncement at the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors' (AGSI) annual conference in Co Meath.

While the General-Secretary of the AGSI, John Redmond, has welcomed the move.