Aodhán Ó Ríordáin (Dublin Bay North, Labour) | Oireachtas source

There is a serious recruitment and retention crisis in our front-line uniform services. In recent weeks, we have seen clear evidence in the shortage of paramedics and ambulance staff and we know it is proving very difficult to recruit gardaí, and many are leaving due to the working conditions and to levels of abuse and assaults. These developments add to a trend that has long been apparent in the Defence Forces. As was revealed in reply to Deputy Brendan Howlin two weeks ago, the strength of our Defence Forces has fallen below 8,000 for the first time in decades. We have a major shortage of sailors, soldiers and aviators. A further two ships, the LÉ Róisínand the LÉ Niamh, are to be mothballed because there are not enough personnel to keep them at sea. Recruitment during 2022 was notably lower than in previous years. The establishment's strength is meant to be at 9,500 and if we are to reach the level of ambition two, the strength should be 11,500. That target simply is not achievable in the next few years without radical change. The same trend is being seen in An Garda Síochána. Clearly, there needs to be a focused review on why so many gardaí and Defence Forces personnel are leaving. The wages and terms and conditions of employment simply are not attractive enough. Does the Taoiseach intend to set up the special task force the Garda Representative Association, GRA, has called for?

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