Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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While confidentiality is important, we discussed previously with Mr. Nugent how absences are recorded. This matter has been before the courts on at least two occasions and An Garda Síochána has been required to pay out large sums of money to gardaí in cases of work-related absence. There have been at least two such cases in the past month or two. In one recent case, a garda was classified as being on sick leave and denied certain payments, despite having suffered an injury on duty which should have resulted in the absence being described as work-related.

When Mr. Nugent appeared before the joint committee in December, he stated that there was no specific category for work-related stress and that this matter needed to be addressed. What has been done in this regard, particularly in the context of large sums of compensation being paid out? Given the hardship experienced by the individual gardaí in question and their families, it is appalling that they had to go to court to secure justice. The money is involved is substantial. How many similar cases have been taken? Is there a team examining this matter? What is the position in that regard?