The President of the Garda Representative Association (GRA) says gardaí are "operating on fumes" when it comes to manpower and resources.

The deadline for applications for the latest Garda recruitment drive is midnight tonight and 300 positions are being made available.

20,000 people have so far applied for the new garda posts.

The recruitment drive marks the first time new members have been sought for the force since 2009.

President of the GRA John Parker told Breakfast here on Newstalk that 300 new gardaí is just a drop in the ocean.