Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Morale is on the floor in An Garda Síochána. The issue is not compulsory retirement but people are flocking away from the job. I salute Garda Pat Kelly who recently finished his term in Carrick-on-Suir. The number of gardaí in Carrick-on-Suir, Clonmel, Cahir and Cashel is appallingly and frighteningly low. How far will the Government leave this go before it gives proper recognition and support? I refer to boots on the ground, not officials in offices, bodycams or anything else. We need members of the force. An Garda Síochána in Cahir recently held a magnificent party for senior citizens. It was a wonderful community event, which has been held every year. This is the 24th year. Garda numbers are needed in order to cover each other. In Carrick-on-Suir, for instance, there is only enough gardaí to fill one roster, not to mind three or four. It is a frightening situation, and it is so unfair to the gardaí who, by and large, do an excellent job. I support them always, but they need the resources and the numbers to be safe and to keep the community safe.

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