Noel Grealish (Galway West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

As I am sure the Tánaiste is aware, morale within An Garda Síochána is at an all-time low. This is due to the fact that in the past ten years gardaí have experienced massive cuts and reductions in numbers. The recruitment ban, which has been in place for more than seven years, resulted in very few new recruits to keep up their numbers. This has led to a level of anger and frustration within the force which we have never seen before. We have gardaí in Dublin living in cramped and unsuitable conditions because they cannot pay for a decent place to stay. Some are even sleeping in their cars because they cannot afford a place to live. The price of accommodation has gone through the roof. I am not blaming the Tánaiste for all of this. This has been building up over the past ten years. The massive reduction in numbers has put more pressure on gardaí, and their workload has further increased with the closure of many stations around the country. Promotions have been delayed leading to a feeling of injustice among members of the force who have put in the long hours and dedicated their lives to serving the public in a professional manner.

There is also the huge issue for many Dublin based gardaí in particular of transfers that are not happening. They are gardaí from around the country who have spent maybe ten years or more in Dublin and there was always the understanding that after five, six or seven years, they would be allowed to move back nearer home. I know of one case of a young garda who has had his wedding planned for ages but cannot go ahead with it because he cannot afford to. He needs to get out of Dublin because he has been there for 15 years. He is entitled to a transfer. The reason why gardaí have not been transferred is that we did not get enough new gardaí coming in. It is very frustrating and heartbreaking for the gardaí who want to move so they can settle down and get on with their lives. Every time the lists come out, they are not on it. I appreciate that not every garda who wants to move can be facilitated straight away but we need to get morale back into An Garda Síochána again and this is one issue that has been brought to my attention several times.

There are other contentious issues such as the fact patrol cars have not been replaced over the years which hampers gardaí in carrying out their duties. New entrants into An Garda Síochána have also had their pay drastically cut. Bail laws have seen criminals with a string of previous convictions released to offend again. It all adds up to the feeling there is within the force today. While I do not agree with them going on strike, I understand the frustration and anger there is at the moment within the ranks. These are the people who protect us. They also protect the Tánaiste and we should be looking after them better so they can continue to do so effectively. I acknowledge the Tánaiste is trying to make improvements in terms of extra manpower and vehicles. I blame successive Governments for the situation which is now coming to a boiling point within An Garda Síochána. Will the Tánaiste assure the House that serious steps will be taken to address the issues I have raised?

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