Frances Black (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Sometimes prevention can be better than cure. It would be a good idea to train up many gardaí to deal with people on a compassionate level, which is not easy to do. I understand it is hard to do but if they learned to treat people in general, whatever crime they may have committed, and some crimes are more serious than others, when it comes to addiction issues with dignity and respect, it could prevent burnout. That sounds a little complicated but that is the reality. I would encourage the Commissioner to explore that more. I believe it would greatly help the gardaí who are working on the ground. Such prevention measures would help them prevent getting to the point of burnout. There is such shame involved, particularly for members of the Garda Síochána, in asking for help, so that is a difficult one. They are afraid to ask for it in case they might appear weak. I would love the Commissioner to consider doing that.

Regarding overtime, is the Commissioner saying that the money that would normally be spent on overtime will go into training? Is that what I heard him say?