Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. While I acknowledge that the number of resignations this year is slightly higher, our percentage of gardaí is higher than other police jurisdictions. In saying that, we need to ensure everything that can be done to identify why people are leaving is done. I met the Garda Commissioner, the head of HR and other members today. They are currently working on exit interviews. More than 100 have taken place and the Garda will soon be in a position to be able to present me with a full report. A number of things are coming out of that process and we need to be able to be responsive, particularly where concerns are being raised that have caused members to leave early. One of the most important things we can do to supplement the measures I have mentioned in terms of financial supports and resources is to have more gardaí on the ground. That is my number one priority when it comes to supporting the Garda. We hit a particular figure that none of us wanted to get to because the Garda College was closed to new recruits. However, I believe we are now moving at a steady pace and on an upward trajectory. A new Garda Reserve campaign will open in the new year. We have also had competitions for civilian staff to add to those numbers.

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