Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 29 November 2023

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality

Policing Matters: Discussion (Resumed)

Mr. Drew Harris:

The next question was on long-term sickness. We have a very active chief medical officer. Obviously, we want people to return to work but, if they are not going to return to work, they exit the organisation with some dignity through a medical discharge programme. Regrettably, we reach that position with some members but it is at least a decent exit from the organisation. I omitted to mention earlier our employee assistance service, which provides welfare, support and mental health guidance, signposts members towards help and provides counselling itself. Since Thursday, it has made 622 calls in respect of the individual members engaged in policing the disorder. There has been a great effort. That is just one aspect of its work. A great deal of it relates to outreach and making sure everybody knows help is available. Contact has been made frequently with those who were injured but the service will also engage with anyone who seeks further assistance to signpost them towards it.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.