Listen onConcerns over staffing in An Garda Síochána; the rise of ‘free births’ in Ireland Listen | 10:52An Garda Síochána is facing what insiders are calling a “ticking time-bomb” of retirements Mon Jun 08 2026 - 06:55An Garda Síochána is facing what insiders are calling a “ticking time-bomb” of retirements as new projections show nearly 1,700 Garda members are due to retire over the next decade.Concerns have been raised over the number of landlords asking for sex in exchange for accommodation.A row has erupted over what is believed to be the use of artificial intelligence in Irish politics after one TD submitted thousands of parliamentary questions this year which ministers say is draining resources.Sea swimmers in Dublin are being warned to stay out of the water at several of the city’s most popular bathing spots due to poor water quality.Doctors and midwives are raising alarm over the rise of so-called “free births,” where women give birth without any medical assistance.Andrew McNairAndrew McNair is an audio producer at The Irish Times