More than 10,000 people applied for 1,200 Garda jobs, it has been revealed.
Just 800 new Garda recruit positions and 400 Garda staff administration roles are available.
Justice Minister Helen McEntee said: “The Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda Siochana has the resources it needs, with the unprecedented allocation provided in Budget 2022 of more than €2 billion.
“This includes funding for the recruitment of up to an additional 800 Garda members and up to 400 Garda staff.
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“It should be noted that many of the Garda members to be recruited will be drawn from the recent Garda recruitment campaign.
“I am advised that there was a strong interest with over 10,000 applications received.”
She also revealed that of the 883 gardai trained and hired in the last five years, only 60 had left for various reasons.
Of the 148 new gardai hired last year, all but five are still in the force.
The Minister also confirmed that the gardai are also now doing exit interviews on an informal basis for those who decide a career in the police is not for them.
This is a common modern day HR practice across many industries where the feedback of “leavers” is seen as vital data.
She added: “I am further advised that it is the intention of An Garda Siochana to incorporate an organisational approach to the exit interviews within the forthcoming People Strategy which is expected to come into effect next year.”
New gardai begin on a starting salary of €32,000 a year, rising to €48,754 after eight years' service and then increasing to over €55,000 after another decade in the job.
They also receive an array of allowances to make up for their unsociable hours plus overtime pay.
Gardai receive a decent pension of half their finishing salary on retirement, which includes the State pension.
They can also retire after 30 years service at 55 year of age or work to 60 if they wish.
They also qualify for a lump sum of one and a half times their finishing salary.
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